How to: Ground Yourself Before the Holidays

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year, filled with joy, love, and celebration. However, it can also be a stressful and overwhelming time, with so much to do and so little time to do it. And not to mention having to sit across from your aunt at the dinner table, who isn't shy at expressing her political views. It's important to take much needed care of yourself and make sure you are grounded before the holiday rush begins so you don't get wrapped up in it (Christmas joke..had to). Here are some tips for how to ground yourself before the holiday season.

The concept of grounding oneself or keeping oneself in the present moment refers to the practice of bringing one's attention and awareness to the present moment and letting go of distractions or thoughts about the past or future. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. There are many different techniques and practices that can help with grounding and staying present, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the breath. Grounding oneself in the present moment can also involve engaging in activities that bring a sense of calm and focus, such as spending time in nature, doing a hobby, or engaging in physical activity. By staying present and grounded, we can better manage our emotions and reactions to events and situations, and feel more centered and balanced.

1.Practice mindfulness: One of the best ways to ground yourself is to practice mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment with an open, curious, and non-judgmental attitude. This can help you stay focused and present, rather than getting caught up in the stress and chaos of the holiday season. You can practice mindfulness through activities such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths and paying attention to your breath. 

2. Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries around your time and energy during the holiday season. This may involve saying no to certain invitations or requests, or setting limits on how much time you spend with certain people. Setting boundaries can help you prioritize your own well-being and ensure that you have enough time and energy to take care of yourself. 

3. Take breaks: Is the discussion at the dinner table making you bite your tongue? Head to the bathroom to recenter yourself for a moment. Make sure to take breaks and carve out time for yourself during the holiday season. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to sit in silence, or going for a walk to clear your head. Taking breaks can help you recharge and refocus, so you can be more present and grounded during time with family. 

4. Get enough rest: Make sure to get enough sleep during the holiday season. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and impaired judgment, which can make it harder to stay grounded. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine (even if you're traveling for the Holidays) to help you get a good night's rest. 

5. Eat well: While it's completely encouraged to indulge in the occasional treat, make sure to also incorporate plenty of healthy, nourishing foods into your diet as well. Eating well can help you feel more balanced and grounded, and can also help you better handle the stress of the holiday season. If you need an immediate boost try taking functional mushrooms, they are a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety. 

6. Exercise: Regular exercise can help you stay grounded and manage stress. It can also boost your energy levels and help you feel more balanced. It's also a great excuse for some much needed alone time during the Holidays. Try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine, whether it's a Youtube workout or simply a walk around the block.

7. Connect with others: Surround yourself with supportive people during the holiday season. Spending time with loved ones can help you feel grounded and connected, and can provide a sense of support and comfort. But if your loved ones don't tend to provide much comfort, keep a close friend on speed dial. 

8. Practice self-care: Don't forget to take care of yourself during the holiday season. This could involve setting aside time for your hobbies or interests, getting a massage, or simply taking a warm bath. Whatever self-care means to you, make sure to prioritize it during the holiday season. Don't neglect yourself due to how busy you are. 

9. Stay organized: It's easy to get overwhelmed during the holiday season with so much to do. To stay grounded, try to stay organized and make a list of tasks and priorities. This can help you stay focused and ensure that you don't get overwhelmed by the demands of the holiday season.

Take time to reflect: Finally, take some time to reflect on the past year and what you are grateful for. This can help you stay grounded and centered, and can also help you approach the holiday season with a sense of gratitude and appreciation.

The Holidays are a mixed bag of fun and stress (more or less of each depending on your situation). But there is nothing more stressful than the amount of fun you think you are supposed to be having during the Holidays. This is why grounding is an incredibly useful technique in helping us live from the present moment, and not your expectations of what it should be. Before you head to your in-laws house, or maybe your own family's, take a moment to jot down some grounding techniques that resonate with you the most and use them when needed. You will thank us later. 

Happy Holidays! 

From the Clarabe Team