Make it a Mindful Holiday: Keeping Your Head Cool When the Season Heats Up

Your mind called. It needs a break—here’s how to give it one.

Nov 27, 2024

Namaste and Greetings,

Here we are—just before the holiday whirlwind. The calm before the busy, the deep breath before the rush.

Note: Short on time? No worries—scroll down to the 'In a Nutshell' section for a quick summary of the key points!1

We spend so much time focusing on what’s on our plates—literally and figuratively. What if I told you that the most powerful tool for your well-being isn’t just in your food and drink choices, but in your mind? Sure, what we eat and drink plays an essential role in our health. But it’s the mind that’s been tirelessly juggling holiday plans, the pressures of family gatherings, and the endless to-do lists. It’s the part of you that’s quietly driving the show, absorbing the stress, and keeping things running—often without us even noticing.

round green fruits — Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

The Mind vs. The Brain

Ayurveda makes it a point to distinguish the brain (organ) from the mind. The mind shapes our perceptions, fuels our emotions, and even influences our digestion (ever experienced an upset stomach when you’re stressed?)

While it’s easy to focus on the exterior, we often neglect the mind—the true driver of our overall health and feeling of well being. When the mind is not nurtured, the impact is far-reaching and all-encompassing. A calm, balanced mind can make all the difference, especially when life feels like a ferris wheel of gatherings, expectations, and holiday chaos.

What If You’re Not Feeling the Holiday Hustle?

Alternatively, what if you’re not feeling the bustle of holiday preparations? Maybe the chaos of family gatherings isn’t your reality this year. Perhaps you’re navigating the emptiness left by a loved one’s absence or struggling to manage your emotions while others celebrate around you. These moments of stillness and reflection can be equally challenging, and they too take a toll on the mind.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by busyness or weighed down by solitude, it’s important to acknowledge the mind’s role in guiding us through both the noise and the quiet of the season.

Checking In with Yourself

It’s so easy to go about life on autopilot—especially during the holidays—just doing what needs to be done. And sometimes, even things that don’t need to be done. You know the drill — your shoulders are up around your ears, your stomach’s staging a protest, but you just keep pushing through because … well, things need to get done.

Whenever I catch myself in one of these moments—social or professional— I stop and check in with myself. At least, I try to. Checking in on your mind regularly can be a simple, yet surprisingly powerful way to maintain balance and well-being. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference.

How to Check In with Your Mind?

1. Check Your Emotional Temperature

Emotions are a reflection of the mind, and checking in with your emotional state helps you identify if you're stressed, anxious, or feeling off balance.

At various points during the day, pause and ask yourself: "How am I feeling right now?" Take note of your emotions without judgment and see if they align with what's happening around you. This can help you pinpoint areas where the mind might need calming or attention.

2. Moments of Stillness

Our minds can be constantly racing, and it’s easy to overlook the need for stillness. A few moments of quiet can help recalibrate your thoughts and reduce mental clutter. Set aside a few minutes of stillness, preferably in a quiet space. Close your eyes, and simply observe the thoughts that come and go without engaging with them. This practice helps you step back and see your mental patterns more clearly.

I confess, sometimes the only place I can do that is in the bathroom. And that is perfectly fine. A few quiet moments with myself can do wonders.

3. Mindful Awareness of Your Thoughts

Becoming aware of your thought patterns is a key step in managing your mental health. By noticing when your mind is racing or spiraling, you can take action to ground yourself.

Throughout the day, ask yourself: "What am I thinking about right now?" If you catch yourself dwelling on something negative, try to shift your focus to something neutral or positive, like the sensation of your breath or a small gratitude.

4. Practicing Gratitude

Shifting your focus toward gratitude can have a profound impact on your mindset, elevating your mood and mental outlook.

Whenever you find yourself frazzled, angry, agitated, and the like - take a moment to think of something that is going right. This small act of reflection can help soothe a stressed mind and create a positive mental state.

woman in black shirt holding white ceramic mug — Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Mantras: A Simple Tool for Mental Clarity

A mantra is a short, affirming word or phrase that can help us reset, stay grounded, and steer our mental state in a positive direction. I was not a fan of such things—only because I never tried them.

What the mantra is will be different for everyone. Whatever resonates best with you is the one.

Some Examples:

I choose peace over stress.
I am here, I am present.
This helps to bring your attention back to the present moment, reducing worry about the past or future. It's grounding and can help you reconnect with the "now."

I am in control of my thoughts.
This reinforces the idea that, while we can't always control external circumstances, we have the power to manage and change our thoughts and reactions.

And finally, my favorite:

I let go of what I cannot control.
Ideal for those moments when you feel overwhelmed by circumstances outside of your control. It encourages acceptance and release of unnecessary mental clutter. It is equally handy with difficult people.

These mantras can be repeated silently or out loud. Choose one that resonates with you in the moment, or make up your own. It’s all about finding a mantra that helps refocus your mind, calm your emotions, and center yourself.

You can always use Serenity Now! This scene from Seinfeld makes me laugh-out-loud anytime I see it.

Until next time.

Namaste!