Welcome to the holi-daze! Whether you are hosting, traveling, or trying to hide, the to-do lists are doubled this time of year. And let’s face it, we engage in the ‘crazy’ because we want to feel some seasonal magic and connection. You might be a parent making merry for your children, or the ringleader for your group of friends/family. Some of us want to hang on to traditions, and for others it’s a time for creating new memories or healing from the past. There is no right or wrong way “to do” the holidays. In fact, for a number of us, it would not feel like “The Holidays” if we didn’t come out on the other side a little exhausted & bewildered. I'm not suggesting you change a thing (unless you want to). However, during this busy time of ear, I’d like to offer a novel idea that will help to light you brighter than the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, deemphasize the stress by finding small moments to savor. It’s the purposeful attention placed on these small positive moments that could leave a big impact on your perceived wellbeing and overall happiness.
Savoring is a concept that requires us to be intentionally present and mindful and identify the positive aspects in our life. We don’t have to edit our schedules or add anything to the calendar to practice savoring, we simply shift the way our mind processes the moment by looking and sensing “the good.” Research by Fred Bryant, a social psychologist at Loyola University Chicago, shows that to practice savoring helps increase happiness immediately and in the long-run. Savoring also helps to reduce stress by interrupting our innate negativity bias, and the practice helps to build strong bonds by highlighting our appreciation of others and reconnecting us to that which brings us joy.
Here is how the gander at Front Goose Wellbeing is practicing the art of savoring this holiday season. Things we savor:
Moments of Movement
The holidays can mean a change in schedule to our typical routines, but this doesn’t mean we have to forgo moving our bodies. As we venture out to run errands, first take some deep breaths, yes - it’s going to be busy out there. Here are ideas to consider:
1. If walking or biking, take a little longer route.
2. If taking the subway, get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
3. If driving, purposely park at the back of the lot and enjoy a longer walk.
4. Walk around the neighborhood each evening to seethe holiday lights.
Notice the experience of the moment, feel the air, see the sky, clouds, snowflakes, maybe hear the birds or the sounds of your city.
Random Moments
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, take a moment to engage with the environment through the senses and notice something beautiful or interesting. Take a mental picture of what you enjoy: Freshly fallen snow? Ice crystals? Snowmen built by children? Sunshine on the water? Holiday décor? A friendly hello by a stranger? If you’re with others, share what you notice and ask them what they are taking in. Taking a conscious note of the moment leaves us feeling positive, inspired, creative, and upbeat.
Good Company
If you are gathering with friends, family, and loved ones this holiday season, take the time to really connect by being fully present with one another. Share with others the moments you’re savoring and feeling grateful for and ask them the same. Whether it’s small children or grandparents, everyone can share in this practice. Not only will this make you feel extra happy, but it spreads joy and helps to create stronger bonds with others.
Special meals/traditional recipes
Often the holidays are a time when special recipes are made and/or shared. When preparing food, try to slow down and enjoy the process of cooking. See, feel, smell, taste (test), and even hear the ingredients. If cooking isn’t your forte and take-out is, pause before enjoying your order and give thanks for the opportunity to nourish your body with delicious food. Consider everything that went into creating the food, from the growing process, the way the food was obtained, and the people that prepared your order. Recognize the blessing of having food on your plate. When you eat, take a moment to taste the food and savor the flavors and the experience.
Giving
It feels good to give—whether it’s a gift you know someone will love and value, or it’s giving of your time and assistance to someone in need. To see others happy, grateful, or cared for feels wonderful. Absorb the smaller, less noticeable details and savor the moment.
Receiving
If someone surprises you with the gift of their time, energy, or perhaps a gift they thought of just for you, enjoy and savor in receiving. It feels special to be thought of, share and savor the moment together.
Inclement Weather
"Baby its cold outside!" We’d be remiss not to mention the “Winter Bomb” that is currently hovering over the USA causing travel delays, and hazardous conditions. Few are escaping the cold and snow. As you process the disappointment of plans delayed/changed and work to stay warm and safe from these conditions, savor the moments the safety of indoors brings. Light a fire, read a book, snuggle under the covers, put on your favorite Holiday music, and catch-up on sleep. For those getting snow, put on your snow suites and revel in the winter wonderland, or just gaze out the window with a hot chocolate in hand. Whatever you choose, enjoy the positives that harsh weather brings.
Being present and savoring the positive aspects of the moment is a way to connect with yourself, loved ones, and the world, which indeed brings more joy and happiness. We hope these ideas help inspire you to soak up the sweet moments waiting to be savored this holiday season. Let us know what you are savoring?
