Focus on These 3 Areas of Mindfulness To Reduce Stress and Anxiety

This article was published in the International Business Times 12/21/22

No one wants to admit that they struggle with feeling lonely or sad during the holidays or that stress and anxiety hinder their ability to fully enjoy the season. It's a reality that many Americans face and a yearly cycle that can be challenging to break.

According to a survey conducted by the?American Psychiatric Association, ?41% of adults surveyed say that their stress levels increase during the holiday season. During what is celebrated as one of the "happiest times of the year," many suffer from depression and loneliness.

It's no surprise that lingering feelings connected to the COVID pandemic have left many people dangling between heightened fears of isolation and seasonal blues. Add to this the financial stress around the holidays, and the mixture is toxic.

Pandit Dasa , a keynote speaker on workplace culture, mindful leadership and mental health, understands the stress many face during the holiday season. He says that three of the most prevalent categories of holiday stress and where we should spend the most time practicing mindfulness are the workplace, finances and personal life.

Workplace

The future of work culture success hinges on a company's ability to create an inclusive environment, especially during the holidays. Dasa points to mindfulness to find balance within the workplace.

"Mindfulness is a great practice that can help us raise our self-awareness in the workplace and be more accommodating to our colleagues. People can no longer live in silos. Connection is a critical part of a successful workplace culture. When employees feel like they belong to a community, it's easier to navigate the stress and anxiety associated with loneliness, especially during the holidays." - Pandit Dasa

As social beings, we are wired for connection. This doesn't mean everyone craves connection, given unique personalities and temperaments, but having a desire to belong is innate to most. When a sense of belonging is missing, it is often felt deeply.

According to Dasa, showing mindfulness to our colleagues means reaching out when someone seems withdrawn or despondent and letting them know that you're there for them. Intentionality is key, especially during the holiday season.

"People are often carrying a lot of weight that they're not comfortable sharing, but knowing that someone sees them can lift some of the burden and help them view circumstances from a different perspective." - Pandit Dasa

If you notice someone who appears lonely or detached, try engaging them in casual conversation or finding other ways to reach out so that they feel included. Even if they decline the offer, knowing that someone asked can still make them feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

Finances

In America, holiday spending is expected to reach a record-breaking?$942 billion to $960 billion ?in 2022. It's not surprising that money and spending are a big source of holiday stress. Thoughts about how much money you have in the bank for presents to what you're going to spend can turn an otherwise happy holiday sour quickly.

Being mindful of our finances means we think before we spend. Impulse buying and overextending ourselves is a recipe for disaster. Dasa suggests the following tips for managing finances during the holidays in a healthy way:

• Create a budget?- Deciding what you can spend comfortably ahead of time puts buying power into your hands where it belongs. With nonstop product ads congesting your newsfeed and your list of gift recipients growing every year, feelings of overwhelm are always knocking on the door. Limit the pressure to buy by turning off social media and reducing the size of your gift-giving list.

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