How to Stay Calm and Relaxed this Holiday Season and Start the New Year with Confidence! A Video from the Writing Yoga® Lab [Prompt #2023]
Dec 24, 2023The holidays are fun, but they can also be seriously stressful. They can bring out the best and worst in our relationships. I'd love to know how many rebellious adult teenagers are out there replaying the stuff of dark comedy movies. A lot of what happens this time of year is outside our control, but we can control how we manage our mindset, our time, and our energy. And you don't have to revert to playing out sibling rivalry dramas either.
When we focus on the people and activities that matter most and lean into what we do best, life feels calmer, more creative, and a whole lot more compassionate. It’s not something that happens overnight, it’s a practice, built bit by bit, but it’s totally doable. Notice your reactions to people and situations and make a CHOICE to change if you don't enjoy replaying relationship drama. Here are some simple strategies to help you stay relaxed and centered this holiday season.
1. Sit: Create Moments of Stillness in the Holiday Hustle
The holidays can get hectic, and it’s easy to get swept up in everything going on. That’s why it’s so important to slow down and give yourself time to rest. Sitting isn’t just about staying still, it’s about pausing to catch your breath, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy cup of hot cocoa or taking a quick break between errands, these little moments of stillness help you stay grounded.
During family gatherings, find chances to sit and soak it all in. After a big meal, relax by the fire with your loved ones. No need to chat or plan, just be. If you’re bouncing from one event to the next, take a break in the car for a minute. Close your eyes, breathe, and reset before jumping back into the fun.
In the evening, light a candle, sit by the tree, and watch the lights flicker. These small breaks may not seem like much, but they go a long way in helping you recharge and be fully present for special moments.
2. Write: Reflect on the Season with Holiday-Themed Journaling
Writing during the holidays is a great way to slow down, reflect, and soak up feelings of gratitude for the people you love and care about. Just a few minutes of unstructured writing can help you clear your mind and stay grounded.
Try keeping a holiday gratitude journal where you jot down small things that brought you joy: the smell of pine trees, a good chat with a friend, or sparkling lights at night. On busy days, take a moment to write about what went well, what stressed you out, and what you're looking forward to tomorrow. You can also set intentions: what kind of holiday do you want to create this year? Maybe it’s filled with more laughter, connections with new or old friends, or simply more peacefulness.
3. Move: Embrace the Energy of the Season with Joyful Movement
The holidays are full of movement, whether you’re running around town, dancing at a holiday party, or chasing snowflakes with the kids. But movement is a great way to release stress, lift your mood, and recharge your energy. Finding ways to move that feel fun and joyful can help you reconnect with your body and shake off some of the holiday chaos.
Even if it’s freezing outside, you can always warm up with a dance party at home. That's what I love to do. Play your favorite songs and dance away.
For quieter moments, do some simple stretches to release the tension that builds up from holiday shopping and travel. If you’re wrapping gifts, take a break now and then to stretch your back and shoulders. Do a swan dive toward your shins and raise your arms above your head. Movement doesn’t have to be intense or complicated, it should just feel good and bring joy into your day.
How to Stay Calm and Relaxed this Holiday Season
Have you ever noticed how ideas seem to flow more easily when you’re relaxed, or how your body feels stronger and more energized when you’re confident? That’s the power of being in sync with yourself. When we make time to Sit, Write, and Move each day, even in small ways, it opens the door for some pretty magical things to happen.
Since 2007, I’ve shared this mantra with my students: Sit, Write, and Move to SWiM through your day to calm, be more creative, and live a compassionate life. It’s about taking it five minutes at a time, day by day, and trusting that those little moments will add up.
When you combine relaxing poses, thoughtful writing prompts, and intentional movement, SWiMing can become a powerful practice, especially during the holiday season.
If you want to dive deeper, check out the course to explore Writing Yoga® exercises. They’re designed to help you move through the holidays with more confidence, calm, and joy.
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful holiday season and a very happy & healthy 2024! - Stef
Seeking to create a calmer, more compassionate & creative life at home, school or in the office? Book a free consultation to learn more about workplace retreats and professional development.
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Copyright © 2023 Stefanie Maura, All rights reserved.
