mindfulness steps for during the holiday

Here are three ways to reconnect to the present moment, so you can navigate December with joy and ease:

1. Shift your inner narrative. Once our stress response is activated, it can be difficult to turn off. Even while doing something relaxing, like reading a book, our minds can wander, fixating on what we have to do for work tomorrow, or the holiday party next week, or the gifts we havent yet bought. Try these four research-backed ways to slow down, so you can truly calm your mind.

2. Shake off the afternoon (or morning, or evening) slump. Many of us notice our energy and motivation hit an all-time low during this time of year, making us feel tired and irritable. Rather than reaching for a third cup of coffee or sugary snack, sometimes a little bit of movement is all thats needed. Explore this simple mindful movement series to boost your energy in less than 10 minutes.

3. Remember to breathe. No matter where you may find yourself or how hard things may feel, you can always access the breath. And bringing our attention to our breath regulates our stress response and improves our overall mood. Follow this guided meditation to breathe deep and give yourself space to simply be in the moment.