The holiday season is often referred to as a time of joy and peace, yet for many it can be a time of great stress. Between the shopping, baking, entertaining, and other obligations we have as family members and friends—not to mention the everyday demands of our lives—it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of feeling stressed out during the holidays, let's explore how we can find peace within ourselves.
How Can I Find Peace?
The first step in finding peace is understanding that it exists within you. Our world is filled with chaos and commotion from sun up to sun down, so it can be difficult to remember that there is an inner calmness inside us that can help us cope with these external pressures. Many religions refer to this inner peace as a spiritual connection or presence that exists within us all—a wellspring of serenity where we can go when we need solace or guidance.
When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out during this busy holiday season, take a few moments for yourself. Give yourself permission to step away from your obligations for just a few minutes and sit quietly in solitude—either indoors or outdoors—and focus on your breathing and being present in the moment. If you find your thoughts racing ahead into what comes next after the holidays are over, gently bring them back into your current experience without judgment or criticism. Even if it’s just a few minutes at first, those moments will help restore some balance back into your life and provide perspective on what really matters most during this special time of year.
The Power of Gratitude
Another way to restore balance during the holiday season is by taking time each day to express gratitude for all that you have been blessed with in life. This could mean writing down five things you are grateful for each morning before you start your day or taking 10-15 minutes each night before bedtime to reflect on all that happened throughout the day—both good and bad—and being thankful for each experience regardless of how it made you feel at the moment.
Practicing gratitude helps remind us that even though there may be chaos around us right now, there are still plenty of reasons why we should enjoy this special time of year and recognize our blessings with humility and appreciation instead of worrying about what might come next in our lives after December 25th has passed by.
Finding peace during the chaotic holiday season takes practice but it’s worth every bit of effort expended! Taking even just a few moments per day for yourself will help restore balance back into your life while allowing you stay centered amidst all the hustle bustle around you at this time of year. Remembering also to express gratitude each day will help remind us all why we should cherish this special part of our lives rather than dreading what comes afterwards!
So don’t let yourself get too stressed out – instead take some intentional steps towards finding peace within and enjoy every moment!
Happy Holidays!