Tips to Help You Slow Down and Enjoy the Here and Now
In today’s day and age, the idea of hustling and always being busy can be very overwhelming and seem almost impossible to escape. If your schedule isn’t jammed packed with activities or you’re not “making the most” of your holiday season, are you even doing it right?
Slowing down and enjoying this season of life is not something to shy away from. In fact, my own relationship with the holidays has really shifted over the past few years. I used to plow through the holidays feeling overextended and anxious, not truly enjoying the experiences I had been waiting for. But with an adjusted perspective and some simple steps, I’m learning to savor as much of the holiday season as possible. And I want to help you do the same.
Feelings Versus Accomplishments
In any busy season, setting goals and accomplishing them can be something that we do to check a box and stay organized. But oftentimes, we don’t experience the actual feelings that we are seeking. How do you actually want to feel during this special time of the year? Decide what those feelings are and embrace them fully, be it accomplished, successful, happy, relaxed, fulfilled, connected, or something else.
Be sure to take this time to sustain life, and don’t just operate like a well-oiled machine. It’s important to acknowledge what this season is calling from you and create the space for yourself that you need. Don’t forget to seek experiences that will cultivate your true desired feelings.
How can you enjoy the current moments?
Talking about enjoying the current season and actually enjoying it are two very different things. If you’re ready to embrace this season and intentionally slow down, these four tips can be a great place to start.
Tip 1: Take in the moment without feeling the need to “capture” the moment
Simply be in the present moment and don’t feel the need to snap photos or videos at all times. Take in the real moments that are happening right now and not through the lens on your phone. Sometimes, you’ll actually miss those special moments while you’re busy trying to document them. If you do want to capture photos (which obviously we all do!), I recommend setting specific time aside to take the pictures and then get back to being present.
Tip 2: Simply notice the scene around you
The decor, the smells, the energy, the laughter: take it in with each one of your senses, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Make it meaningful, and choose to take in exactly what you’re experiencing. This practice is completely free and doesn’t have to be anything that it’s not. Simply tune in and be attentive. Notice the scene and observe it without judgment. Let it be exactly what it is.
Tip 3: Ask thoughtful questions of yourself and your guests that create dialogue
Try creating a shortlist of questions you can ask your kids, friends, family, or others that you’re with over the holidays.
What is one of your fondest childhood holiday memories - who was there, what were you doing? What is the favorite gift you ever gave someone? Why was this memorable?
What was the best gift you’ve received that wasn’t actually a material item?
These questions will initiate thoughtful conversation and may even spark something in you or others that wasn’t anticipated.
Tip 4: Plan and schedule, especially for downtime
My personal favorite, I love planning time for being on the couch, enjoying the fire, sipping on hot tea or wine, and intentionally choosing to take in this special moment “planned” for. The same goes for our favorite holiday movies. We actually choose the different evenings we’ll be kicking back together in this special family tradition, as opposed to just hoping we find the time. These are the experiences I really want to make time for throughout the winter and holiday season - so I make sure to make it happen.
Not only do I recommend you plan for time to relax but also to prioritize setting aside time for other important areas of your life that may fall to the weigh side during the holidays.
Focus on your current health
Try not to totally neglect your health in the busyness of the holidays. This can happen so easily. The best thing you can do right now is to eat your vegetables at each meal, and treat treats as treats. Simple commitments, yet extremely effective.
Focus on today, not on next month
Allow the year to wrap up as it should. It’s a time to celebrate, take a break from work, and spend time with family and loved ones. January will be here soon enough, I promise. There will be plenty of time to plan and set goals when it’s here. Enjoy the holiday season while you can - it won’t happen again for another year!
Practicing Affirmations
As the days and weeks pass, it is also important to check in with yourself and reflect on all that is happening. What’s going on in that mind of yours? Utilizing affirmations as a way to return to the present moment is a great practice. If you’ve never committed to this as a habit in the past, here are some of my favorites to get you started as you learn to connect with the here and now.
I am mindfully aware of this present moment.
Right now I am here.
I enjoy each moment to the fullest.
Being totally present in the moment opens my eyes to inspiring, new experiences.
Each day we are born again. What we do today matters most.
I can easily handle the moment that is happening right now.
I am fully present in my body and in my life.
I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I am perfectly safe.
Take in the moments, reflect on who you’re with and where you are, ask mindful, conversation-starting questions, and plan even for the time that you want to be commitment-free! If you want to enjoy this season with an intentional and mindful pace, remember that you have the power to make that decision for yourself.
Celebrate, relax, and rejuvenate. The new year will be here before you know it, and I want you to enjoy this holiday season and all that it has to offer.