Holiday Mindfulness

The holiday season can be meaningful, joyful, overwhelming, and stressful – often all at once.

We know this time of year can bring up big emotions and added pressure, so we asked several of our clinicians to share the small, practical strategies they personally use and recommend. We hope they offer you a moment of calm and grounding when you need it most.

Be mindful of the moments you want to remember

One clinician shared: “Many people love to make memories over the holidays! What are the little details that you would like to remember about this holiday season in years to come? Try to be mindful of these details.” You don’t have to capture everything—just notice the small moments that matter to you. A warm mug, a kind exchange, a favorite scent, or laughter from the next room. Let these details anchor you.

Take a 30-second pause

If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, consider this simple reset: “Stepping into another room or quiet space and doing box breathing for 30 seconds when feeling overwhelmed.”Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. This short break can help regulate your nervous system and bring clarity back online.

When formal mindfulness isn’t realistic – use your senses

As another clinician put it: “Sometimes it's not feasible to do a formal mindfulness exercise — a quick tune into one or more of your five senses can be incredibly helpful and grounding when feeling big emotions in the moment!”Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can see? One thing I can hear? One thing I can feel? This fast, discreet strategy can help you reconnect with the present when emotions run high.

Above all, remember that it’s okay if the holidays feel complicated. You’re not alone, and small moments of mindfulness can make a meaningful difference. Be kind to yourself.