Being Mindful This Holiday Season

Along with the holidays comes planning gatherings, cooking meals, buying gifts for friends and family, decorating the house, getting together with loved ones, talking about daily lives, driving to and from places, and much more. Many aspects of the holidays can be stressful; if you’ve recently lost ties with family members because of addiction, or if you’re in addiction recovery and find it hard to celebrate with friends and family for Christmas as you usually do, the stress and anxiety can really pack on. Mindfulness is a wonderful technique that can help you stay grounded, focused, and relaxed – try these mindful tricks to help you through the holiday season:

1. Practice being present. Truly listen to your loved ones while talking to them. Focus in on not only what they’re saying, but how they’re saying it and what their body language is telling you. Be receptive to their stories, emotions, facial expressions – focus in. You’ll find that it’s incredibly grounding and can give you a sense of ease amongst the chaos.

2. Be open to a range of emotions within yourself. The holidays can cause people to feel different things, including happiness, sadness, fatigue, loneliness, etc. Embrace what you’re feeling and don’t fight them.

3. Reflect on what this holiday season means to you. The holidays aren’t about extravagant gifts or meals – they are about reflecting on our lives and being grateful for where we’re at. Think about your recovery journey. What are you proud of?What milestones have you recently accomplished?

4. Practice mindful activities throughout the day, such as savoring every bite of Christmas dinner. Experience the flavor, the aroma, the chatter amongst the people you love, and even the beautiful silence as everyone takes a moment to just be. Explore the beauty that being in the moment has to offer. 

If you’re ready to embark on your recovery journey, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu this holiday season. It will be the best gift you’ve ever given yourself.

Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.