![Your mind should be as serene as the holidays [image source: Rexness/Christmas tree 2010/Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/11/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/your-mind-should-be-as-serene-as-the-holidays-image-source-rexnesschristmas-tree-2010flickr_1673843.jpg "Your mind should be as serene as the holidays [image source: Rexness/Christmas tree 2010/Flickr]")
With the Holidays just around the corner, it will be easy to become overwhelmed by all of your to-do lists. From organizing family functions to making sure you buy the perfect gifts for your friends and family, you will most likely not have much time for yourself. In other words, when you focus solely on creating joy for others, you will lose your sanity.
Thankfully, there are ways to separate yourself from the chaos of the Holiday Season. One such way is finding time to meditate. meditation can be done at any time, and get this: you don’t have to have any special skills to meditate!
How will meditation benefit me?
Meditation has several benefits that your mind and body will thank you for. It is a great way for you to center yourself, and you will feel much calmer with a clear head afterwards. In other words, meditation will teach you emotional resilience.
Emotional resilience is an important skill because it teaches us to respond to circumstances rather than react to them. You become more accepting of difficult situations. In the words of Shakespeare, “for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison. Well, then it isn’t one to you, since nothing is really good or bad in itself—it’s all what a person thinks about it.” Meditation teaches us to be in the present moment, because we cannot change yesterday, and we cannot predict the future.
How do I meditate?
As mentioned before, you do not need any special skills to meditate. If possible, it is ideal to meditate in a quiet space in which you will not be interrupted. Some people prefer to meditate outside in nature, while others prefer to sit in a secluded and cozy room in their house. It is also advised that you meditate sitting in an upright position rather than lying down because the meditation will be less effective if you fall asleep.
Once you have found a comfortable and quiet spot, gently close your eyes. Count to five as you take a deep breath in through your nostrils. Hold the breath for five seconds, and then exhale for five seconds through your mouth. Focus on your breathing, and try to let go of any tension your body is holding. Doing this simple breathing exercise just five minutes a day can help you remain relaxed during this holiday season.
What about my family?
Relax. Start assigning tasks to your family members! The holidays are about enjoying time with your family, but how are you going to enjoy any time with them if you are the one doing all of the work? Make it fair! Put Aunt Carol on tree decorating duty and Grandma on making her famous Christmas cutouts.
While you may feel that everything needs to be perfect, it is important to understand the true meaning behind the holidays: family. If you put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect holiday, you will feel exhausted and defeated after the holidays have passed. This year, try something different. Allow yourself five minutes a day so that you are able to thoroughly enjoy the holidays, even amid the chaos.
