Navigating the Holiday Hustle: Embracing Mindfulness and Self-Care

“I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled?Christmas tree?lights.”—Maya Angelou

Thankfully I haven’t untangled Christmas lights lately, but Maya Angelou is on to something: how we handle stress indicates what’s going on inside. There’s no shortage of stressors around the holidays—Christmas parties, family gatherings, shopping lists, family dysfunction, loneliness, missing loved ones, cold weather, the list goes on and on. While the holidays are usually festive and fun, they can also be extremely hard and overwhelming.

As we step into the holiday season, it's crucial to recognize and cherish the significance of this time of year. The holidays often provide an opportunity to reflect on the years gone by and to appreciate the bonds that enrich our lives. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's essential to center ourselves and fully embrace the positive aspects of the season while also recognizing that sometimes the holidays can be extremely difficult. So, how do we make the most of this season while not being overrun with its demands?

As for me, I enjoy practicing mindfulness when I’m feeling overwhelmed. When used properly, mindfulness allows us to slow down, be in the moment, and healthily react to whatever is going on around us. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the field of mindfulness, said: “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This quote captures the essence of mindfulness and the idea that while we cannot control all the challenges and waves life brings, we can learn to find balance by taking control of our thoughts.

Over the years, I’ve learned to use mindfulness as a wellness tool, but it didn’t come easy. In high school, I was struggling with some difficult challenges, and there were times I felt alone in my thoughts and feelings. I knew I needed help, but I wasn’t sure how to ask. Outside of my dad, who was extremely busy working hard so he could provide for us, my high school basketball coach and youth minister made a significant impact on my life through their persistence and care. Their intentional actions and willingness to engage with me, even when I resisted, played a crucial role in helping me learn how to be mindful so I could surf the waves of life.?

Practicing mindfulness can be especially helpful during chaotic holiday seasons. Here are some things I’ve learned in my journey that come in helpful this time of the year:

1. Acknowledge the Challenge. To me, mindfulness is acknowledging we need to pause, take control of our thoughts, and do what it takes to move forward. Remember, we are what we think! When we get stuck in our own heads, we often hop onto a rabbit trail of negativity, believing we can’t move forward and thinking no one cares. Satan tries to tell us there is no help and no hope. Instead, we need to ground ourselves in the truth and share our struggles with people we trust. When we are open and honest about our situation, we gain clarity to see there is freedom on the other side.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts. Once I recognize my thoughts are betraying me, I can pause and remember that I have control over what I think. I’m able to step back, gain the proper perspective, and then work through challenges by finding the positive aspects and solutions. During this season of gratitude and giving, let’s make extra effort to be present, practice gratitude, and reflect on the positive aspects of our lives.
3. Practice Stress Management and Self-Care:? The holiday season is often associated with increased stress due to various demands such as social engagements, financial pressures, and family expectations. While this season often revolves around giving to others, it's equally important to take care of ourselves. Carve out time to enjoy the beauty around you by taking a walk, looking out a window, listening to the sounds of nature, engaging in activities that bring peace, and savoring the present moment. In doing so, you will center your thoughts and find balance, enabling you to give back where it matters most.
4. Rely on Your People: For many individuals, the holidays can be emotionally challenging. Remember, you are never alone, and there are ways to find support and peace even during hard times. If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m big on talking about our struggles, as it helps us to feel less alone. All it takes is one person to say, “I’ve been there, I completely understand!” for the ice to break and the walls to come down.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries for yourself is an easy way to practice self-care. You will probably face unwanted obligations and social pressures over the holidays, and it’s completely acceptable to say no to things you can’t (or don’t want to) do. If you find yourself needing to turn down an invitation, do so with kindness, but remember—you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision.
6. Extend Empathy and Compassion. We are all imperfect humans, navigating our own complicated journeys here on earth. Highlighting and remembering our humanity is especially important during the holidays, and there’s no better way to accomplish this than by extending compassion and understanding to those around us. Relationships are built and strengthened when we connect with others, and when we open our hearts and minds to understand and relate to the people God has put in our paths.
7. Follow the Example of Others: Chris Evans, widely known for his role as Captain America, is a celebrity who has been vocal about mental health and modeling positive habits. He uses his platform to discuss the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges, which has helped reduce the stigma around these issues. By sharing his own journey with anxiety and working to promote mental well-being, Evans serves as a positive role model for many, encouraging others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed. Many people have gone before us and dealt with issues similar to us, whether it’s a celebrity, family, or friend. When we speak up and reach out, we can lean on others, learn from their journeys, and know we are not alone.

If you’re ready to make some changes but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few ideas. Start by scheduling mindfulness practices throughout your day (quiet times, yoga, outdoor exercise, etc.), even if it’s just five minutes. Take a break from phones and social media. Create a peaceful place in your home, free from distractions, and spend time there. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating nourishing foods. Spend quality time with a friend. Mindfulness and self-care are ongoing practices, but if you learn to incorporate them into your routine, you will be able to navigate this busy time with greater ease and balance.

In the spirit of the season, let's also extend compassion to others, recognizing that everyone is navigating their own unique journey. It’s so easy to get caught up in the material aspects of the season. However, true fulfillment comes from the connections we make and the love we share with those around us. So, take a moment to pause, get out of your head, and focus on the meaningful relationships and experiences that make this season truly special.

Dr. Kristin Bledsoe is a leadership educator currently serving as an Academic Dean for the School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. She is also an associate professor, teaching in multiple programs from associate to doctorate level, with a strong understanding of online learning, teaching, and engagement. Kristin is committed to enhancing the student experience and overall student success. She recently co-authored and published an article on Mentoring New Online Graduate Teaching Assistance in Taylor & Francis' Online Journal. Kristin's most recent certifications have been as an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach, and Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach. She recently graduated from the Independent Colleges and Universities Association's (TICUA) Executive Leadership Institute.