5 MINDFUL WAYS TO MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

As much as we try to deny it, the holiday season can be as overwhelming as it is festive and joyful. The tradition of gathering as family and friends can bring our emotional well-being into focus, amplifying and intensifying both feelings of togetherness and loneliness. We feel gratitude for those around us and loss for those who are no longer with us. We take stock of the past year, reflect on failures and celebrate successes. With a little more time and fewer distractions, we sit down with others or find time alone.

We have put together five mindful tips to help you navigate the coming weeks with acceptance, goodwill and mindfulness.

1. START WITH OPTIMISM

Christmas is a time of year when we focus on family, helping those around us and finding joy in the little things. Have you noticed that we often don't take enough time for ourselves? Well, that's not a good state of affairs for this time of year. If you need a little encouragement, imagine how much easier it will be for you to get through this time if you are positive rather than negative. It really can work that way if you believe in it!

2. TRY TO EAT MINDFULLY

Christmas is a time of goodwill, family, laughter and shared food. Despite the inevitable tensions of sharing a festive meal, you should be able to keep your cool during a stressful meal by focusing on your mindful eating practice!

3. HUG YOUR LOVED ONES

We all know how important it is to take the time to hug our loved ones. They are one of the many simple ways to connect with the people around us. It is something we do regularly to show our love, care and commitment. At Christmas, this tradition is made even more special by the shared desire to celebrate together. Hugs are wonderful... Hugs make us feel safe and protected from the pain of the world around us. This is because hugging releases endorphins that have a positive effect on our mind, body and spirit.

4. CLEAR OUT YOUR LIVING SPACE

We all have things that we own. Some of us, like me, hoard our things. This is a problem that plagues many who don't dare to clean up their lives, to clear out closets and basements. Let go of the things that you own that make you forget that you are only human and don't need all these things. Practice giving, not because you expect something in return, but because nature tells us to let go in order to grow and evolve.

5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Gratitude is one of the most positive emotions we can feel. There is a growing body of research showing that gratitude in general has many positive effects on our health and well-being. We all get excited when we receive a gift, but how often do we actually express our gratitude? We can write a thank you note for a gift or behavior you appreciate. It doesn't necessarily have to be a handwritten letter. You can also express gratitude through text, email, or social media. You can visit someone and thank them in person. Or you can spend time reflecting on gratitude for specific activities, like having family or friends to spend Christmas with. The thought of gratitude is also helpful, not just the act of gratitude itself.

Here at Baie Botanique, we have cultivated self-care and lived a life of gratitude and love. We believe the holidays are the best time to continue this practice. We will choose to make good choices to enrich our minds, bodies and spirits.

We wish you a mindful Christmas season and a happy New Year! Always remember: you are the miracle!