by Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by Avia
The holidays are (ideally) a time of joy, appreciation, and wonder. However, sometimes they can be downright stressful. From buying the perfect gifts to navigating family dynamics, there’s a lot that can go wonky this time of year. Additionally, everything changes this time of year. While some changes are great – like decorations you only see this time of year and seeing loved ones – other changes (like navigating shopping malls or dealing with hair-raising travel plans) can leave you totally wasted. It’s a swirly-twirly time of year for sure. That’s why I’ve cooked up some holiday meditations to get you grounded, de-stressed, and getting in the groove of the holiday spirit.
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A Word About Holiday Meditations
Taking a few minutes for yourself is crucial this time of year (and every time of year if you ask me). These holiday meditations are designed to help you regain your composure and get more connected to the “reason for the season.” Of course, meditations will help you tap into the holiday spirit and find some much-needed peace for yourself.
If you are new to meditation, it is a simple, yet powerful, tool that can help to calm your mind, ease anxiety and promote your overall well-being. When you meditate, your blood pressure drops, you become more one with yourself (and the universe), and you become more present.
Meditation also allows you to more effectively release negative thoughts, and it can ease concerns about the past or future. Consequently, holiday meditations can be significantly beneficial for your peace levels, relaxing your mind and getting that much-needed sense of renewal that is critical this time of year. So, grab yourself a relaxing herbal tea, and dig into these helpful holiday meditations.
How Meditation Can Be A Solution for A Stress-Free & Enjoyable Holiday
Presents to wrap, holiday meals to prepare, and family interactions can all be such a blessing, but they can also put the kibosh on your inner energy. It can be tough to find time to relax and enjoy the holidays.
The good thing is that many different types of meditations can help you still the mind and bring you into the present moment. For example, if you are struggling with the loss of a loved one during the holidays, you might try a meditation that focuses on acceptance or releasing grief.
Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the season, you might try a relaxation meditation that helps you to find calm amidst the chaos. Whatever your situation, there’s likely a holiday meditation out there that can help you to feel more peace and joy.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you set aside some time each day to meditate. You may even want to add it to your holiday to-do list. Just a few minutes of meditation can make a big difference in how you feel during the festive season.
How Meditation Can Be Re-Energizing
When the holiday season starts, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take care of yourself. If you are feeling run down, a little meditation can go a long way toward re-energizing your body and mind.
Meditation provides a host of benefits for both body and mind. Physically, it can help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve circulation, and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. It can also boost immunity and help to ease pain. Mentally, meditation can promote feelings of calm and well-being, increase focus and concentration, and even enhance creativity.
The most significant benefit of meditation is that it can help to rebalance your energy levels. When you are feeling run down, your energy is often ‘out of whack’, and that means you may have too much (or not enough) energy in your system. By taking some time out to meditate, you can help restore balance and harmony within yourself, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
The following, therefore, are some of the types of festive meditations that will help get you in the holiday spirit:
Gratitude Meditation
This is where you sit quietly and bring to mind all the things in your life you are grateful for, your health, your family, your friends, your home, and your job. As you think of each thing, say to yourself, “I am grateful for…” and let yourself feel the gratitude. And if times are so bleak, you can’t find anything to meditate upon gratefully – think again. There’s always something. From delighting at the sight of a cardinal lighting upon a snow-covered pine tree, to being grateful to have a toothbrush – the littlest things can add up to big gratitude.
Loving Kindness Meditation
This is a meditation where you send loving kindness to yourself and others. Start by focusing on yourself and sending yourself thoughts of love, care, and compassion. Then expand that out to others, to people you know, people you don’t know, and even those who may have caused you harm in the past. Wish yourself and everyone love and send intentions out into the ethers for their best wellbeing. Wish them the best in their lives without holding any resistance or grudges.
Body Scan Meditation
This meditation technique is where you focus on each part of your body, from head to toe. Start by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Then, focus your attention on each part of your body in turn, tense, and then relax the muscles as you go. Mindfully ponder each of your body bits, and encourage each nerve and blood vessel to release, relax, and chill out. This is a great holiday meditation for tough days when you’re absolutely knackered.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindful meditation is important as it enables you to focus on the present moment, without being judgmental. For instance, you might focus on the sensations of your breath, the sounds around you, or the sensations in your body. I like to focus on the sound of falling snow (yes, it makes a sound, and it’s delicious!), or the tick, tick, tick of a clock. Mindfulness meditations allow you to pull out of yourself. It puts you in a suspended state that can totally rejuvenate you.
Christmas Tree Meditation
In this kind of holiday meditation, sit down comfortably, then close your eyes and visualize a beautiful Christmas tree in front of you (or a holiday evergreen or something that signifies the holidays for you). See the sparkling lights, smell the fresh pine needles, and feel the warmth of the glow emanating from the tree.
Now begin to decorate the tree in your mind with all the things you wish for in this holiday season; love, joy, peace, happiness, etc. Let your tree be as big or small, decorated or not decorated as you like. This can be a beautiful meditation that can help you reconnect to the reason for the season. It can also be a great manifestation meditation (whether you’re manifesting for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other day of the year).
Breathing Meditation
In this stress-relieving technique, sit comfortably and then close your eyes and focus on your breath. This meditation involves bringing all your attention to everything you do into your breath. If your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to your breath and keep your eyes closed. It is a simple but effective way to center yourself and calm your mind. Breathing meditations during the holidays is a stellar way to decompress, refocus, and reestablish homeostasis. It’s also great for releasing anxiety. Because the breath is a rhythmic function, it’s a lulling meditation that soothes you into a better mood.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Meditations
Meditation can be a very re-energizing activity if you allow it to be. It can help clear your mind, give you a sense of peace, and help you focus on the present moment. If you find yourself feeling drained or stressed out this holiday season, take some time to try out these holiday meditations. You might be shocked at how refreshed and invigorated you feel afterward.
Ideally, the holidays should be a time for joy, love, and reflection. I hope these holiday meditations get you into good vibes and help you get in touch with your holiday spirit and allow you to take a moment to appreciate the things that matter the most. As always, thanks for reading. And happy holidays to you and yours!
Mighty brightly,
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