5 Ways to Stay Grounded During the Holiday Rush
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and connection, but for many of us, it can feel like a whirlwind of obligations, to-do lists, and endless errands. Staying grounded during this busy period is essential—not just to survive the season but to enjoy it meaningfully. Here are five simple ways to help you slow down, stay present, and keep holiday stress at bay.
1. Pause and Breathe
Amid the holiday rush, practicing deep breathing can help you stay grounded and reconnect with yourself. Irmansyah Effendi, founder of Natural Way of Living, has developed a unique deep breathing technique to calm the mind and optimize lung capacity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Irmansyah Effendi’s Deep Breathing Exercise:
- Stand with naturally aligned posture: Stand with the distance between the left and right foot about the width of your hip bones. Relax, but not lazy. Let go of the body weight to the floor.
- Position your hands: Place both hands on your hips, with your thumbs resting on your back.
- Inhale deeply: Breathe in through your nose. Feel the air entering the upper part of your lungs, then the middle part, and finally reaching the lowest part of your lungs.
- Expand further: When you feel you cannot inhale any longer, start to go on your tiptoes and you will feel that you can still inhale more, so continue to inhale until the air that you inhale can really reach the lowest part of your lungs.
- Exhale completely: hold your breath for 2-3 seconds, exhale through your mouth while lowering the soles of your feet and feel the air expelling from the upper part of the lungs to the middle, to the lowest part of the lungs completely and thoroughly.
Repeat this exercise 3–5 times.
This technique is particularly helpful during busy or stressful moments. Whether you’re preparing for a big family gathering or juggling last-minute holiday shopping, these simple breaths can help you regain a sense of calm and focus.
2. Set Boundaries with Your Time
The holiday season often comes with a long list of commitments, from work deadlines to family gatherings. While it’s tempting to say yes to everything, overcommitting can leave you feeling drained and disconnected. Setting boundaries is key to staying grounded.
How to practice:
- Assess your priorities: Decide which events or tasks align with your values and bring you joy.
- Politely decline: Practice saying, “Thank you for inviting me, but I can’t make it this time.”
- Schedule downtime: Block off time in your calendar for yourself and treat it as a priority.
By saying no to the things that don’t matter, you create space for the things that do—leaving you more energy to enjoy the season.
3. Take Mindful Walks
Walking is more than just physical exercise—it’s a way to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Even a short walk can help clear your mind and reduce stress, especially when done mindfully.
How to Walk Mindfully:
- Leave your phone behind or put it on silent.
- Be grateful that we are given the earth, a place for us to live in.
- Let go of your body weight and caress the earth in every step you take.
- Relax and enjoy the earth, the air, and the nature around you.
Even 10 minutes of mindful walking can reset your energy and bring a sense of calm amid the holiday chaos.
4. Focus on Gratitude
The rush of holiday shopping and deadlines can make it easy to overlook the essence of the season. Taking time to experience gratitude allows you to connect with what truly matters, bringing a sense of warmth and peace to your heart.
Simple ways to experience gratitude:
- Daily reflections: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day. Wholeheartedly from the heart, express your gratitude to the True Source.
- Note: True Source is our universal term, honoring diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and refers to The Creator, God, Paramatman, or any way you recognize The Divine Source.
- Gratitude jar: Encourage family members to write one thing they’re thankful for each day and share it together at the end of the year.
- Express appreciation: Take a moment to thank someone who has brought light into your day.
Experiencing gratitude helps you feel more connected to yourself and the people around you, creating a ripple of positivity and calm during the holidays.
5. Create Space for Yourself
The holidays are about giving, but to give your best, you need to take care of yourself first. Finding moments of solitude allows your mind and body to reset.
Ideas for creating space:
- Start your day with 15 minutes of quiet time—meditate, stretch, or simply enjoy your coffee without distractions.
- Unplug from devices for an hour to reconnect with yourself.
- Treat yourself to small rituals, like lighting a candle or listening to calming music.
By creating intentional moments of rest, you’ll feel more energized and ready to embrace the season with joy.
A Holiday Worth Remembering
Staying grounded doesn’t mean avoiding the busy parts of the holiday season. It means approaching them with clarity and calm. By incorporating these simple practices into your routine, you can navigate the season with a sense of balance and presence. And who knows? You might even find that this has become your most enjoyable holiday season yet.