Breathe to Stay Mindful During the Holidays.

How are you doing?   Are you excited about seeing loved ones? Are you feeling overwhelmed preparing for the holidays?  Do you still have shopping to do? Do you have COVID fatigue?  Are you worried about loved ones, your future? Perhaps, all of the above. 

How can you be mindful during this busy time of year while also dealing with the flood of information regarding the variant, testing and boosters? 

One of the greatest gifts we learn on the yoga mat is presence.  Being ok to be present with whatever is happening within and around us, even if it is awful.  The more awareness we have about our feelings in a given moment, the more likely we will be able to work through them and let them go.   

Do you have a default reaction when you are experiencing uncomfortable emotions?   Such as eating unhealthy food, drinking too much, spending too much, or numbing with devices.  These defaults may provide temporary relief, but it is never helpful to push away uncomfortable feelings. Instead, we can look at them like beacons that guide us back to the present moment. We can greet these feelings with compassion and allow them to clarify where we are at and how to take the right action in the moment.   

My favourite way to maintain mindfulness or get grounded is utilizing the power of my breath.   Prānāyāma means breath control in Sanskrit.   Prānāyāma can be as simple as bringing your awareness to the movement of your breath or practicing a more involved prānāyāmic technique.   

Anytime you feel overwhelmed, whether you are stuck in traffic or sitting next to an annoying relative during a holiday meal, take a moment to notice your breath and take a few deep breaths in and out of your nose, with your mouth closed.  This won’t change the circumstances unfolding before you but will bring you into a calmer state so you can handle the situation better.  

Throughout the holiday season, take a few moments throughout your day to utilize a prānāyāmic technique called the breath counting practice.    There are many variations on how to practice this technique and I’m providing instructions for a very simple one.

Find a comfortable place to sit for a few minutes and not allow any distractions or interruptions.  If you can’t ensure that you won’t be interrupted, go to the loo and lock the door.       

Place your hands on your lap and softly close your mouth and eyes.  

Start by taking a few breaths. 

When you are ready, start counting as described below:

Count 1-4 with inhale, Count 1-5 with exhale (for 10-20 rounds or 1-2 minutes)

This practice should feel easy and never forced. If you find it challenging to count your breaths consistently, then just focus on taking deep inhalations and exhalations and eliminate the counting.

If you’re counting, stop after a few minutes and breathe freely. Tune in and take note of how you feel.

Happy Holidays!

Stay well and be safe.

Anita