Managing Stress During the Holidays: A Mindful Approach
The holiday season is upon us, and for many, it's a time of joy and celebration. However, it can also bring a lot of stress. From shopping and preparing meals to juggling family commitments, it's easy for stress to creep in and take over. In the latest episode of Brick x Brick, I had the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend Tammy Prince, a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction facilitator, about how mindfulness can help us manage stress during this busy time of year.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness is a practice that focuses on bringing attention to the present moment. It involves paying close attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. It's about being aware of how you're feeling and where you're experiencing those feelings in your body, all while focusing on your breath. It’s a way to practice self-compassion and give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and pause.
Tammy shared that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured program designed to help people manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions through mindfulness practices. It teaches individuals to observe their thoughts and reactions without judgment, which can be incredibly transformative.
Tammy's Journey with Mindfulness
Tammy’s journey with mindfulness began after struggling with anxiety and rumination, where she would endlessly replay conversations and worry about things that hadn’t even happened yet. It wasn't until she took the mindfulness course that she realized there was a better way to handle those anxious thoughts.
The turning point for her came when she had an “aha moment” while walking down the street, reliving a meeting in her mind. In that moment, she realized she didn't have to continue the cycle of rumination. This realization changed her life, and she decided to become a facilitator to help others navigate the same challenges.
A Mindful Solution for Stress
So how can you manage stress during this hectic season? Tammy shared a simple exercise you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed:
Identify the Stressor: The first step is realizing that you're ruminating or stressing over something. Recognize the cycle you're in.
Pause and Breathe: Take a moment to pause and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Bring yourself back into the present moment.
Focus on Your Senses: Use your senses to ground yourself. For example, if you're in the bathroom, place your hands on the counter and feel its texture and temperature. Bring your awareness to your breath and the way it feels as it enters and exits your body.
Slow Down: In moments of stress, we tend to move quickly. Try slowing down everything you do. When you move slowly and mindfully, it helps slow your thoughts as well.
This practice can be done anytime, anywhere, and it’s an easy way to help bring yourself back to the present moment and stop the cycle of stress.
Join Tammy’s Mindfulness Course
If you're looking to dive deeper into mindfulness, Tammy offers a Sampler Class starting November 27th. This four-week course will give you a taste of the mindfulness techniques that can help you manage stress, including mindful eating, mindful movement, and strategies to navigate the busy holiday season with more ease and less stress.
For more information and to sign up, visit her website at mindfulnessreddeer.ca.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the holidays, it's important to remember that we don’t have to do it all. Stress doesn’t have to control us, and mindfulness can be a powerful tool to help manage those feelings. If you're someone who struggles with stress or anxiety, I highly recommend checking out Tammy’s courses. She's a compassionate and passionate facilitator who has been there, and I’m confident that her guidance can help you find a sense of peace amidst the chaos.
Wishing you all a calm and joyful holiday season, and remember to take a moment for yourself.
Happy Holidays!