How to Slow Down in the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a hectic time of year, with endless shopping and tasks to complete before the year ends. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of constant motion and forget to take stock of where we are, where we want to be, and what we truly need. That’s why it’s important to take time out of our busy schedules to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment. In this article, we’ll explore some ways you can slow down and enjoy the holiday season, without sacrificing productivity or feeling overwhelmed.

Breathe

One of the simplest ways to slow down is to take deep breaths. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, take a moment to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus only on your breath and being in that moment alone. By doing so, you can clear your mind, improve your focus, and calm your nerves. You may have to do this several times during the day, especially when the pace heats up, but by taking time to do this, you will be making time to do everything else.

Go out for a good meal

Going out for a good meal can be a great way to slow things down and enjoy the process of a meal as intended. You’re giving yourself the time to eat, drink, and be merry… or in your own thoughts. Having a meal where you only need to order and not cook also gives you the time to be with your own thoughts. You can come up with great ideas or solutions to problems while waiting or eating in a restaurant, which may be harder to do during busy days when you’re occupied with other tasks. By treating yourself to a good meal, you’re feeding your mind, body, and soul, which can improve your well-being and overall productivity.

Run somewhere, anywhere. Preferably outdoors

Physical activity can be an excellent way to slow down, and running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Going for a run outdoors can provide several benefits that are unique to this kind of exercise. The rush against your face of the cool air adds a freshness that can’t be found when doing anything else that you control. There’s freedom to running around, a feeling that you can go anywhere and not be hindered by roads or trails. Your mind gets that freedom as well. You can let your thoughts wander and slow down the pace of your mind. Running can create a space between yourself and your work, so you can take a break – a much-needed one at that. By running, you can stay in the race over the long haul, without burning out.

Step back from social networks

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, especially during the holiday season. However, it can also be a major source of distraction and burnout, as we tend to compare ourselves to others and feel the need to constantly update our statuses or respond to messages. It’s important to step back from social networks and focus more on being present at the moment. By doing so, you can better serve both yourself and the people around you, as you’ll be able to offer a clearer version of yourself and what’s going on. You won’t worry about status updates or tweets, but enjoy the moment and the people around you.

Feelin’ groovy

In the end, the most important thing we can do during this busy holiday season is to slow down and enjoy the moment. As Simon & Garfunkel sang in their classic song, “Slow down, you movin’ too fast; You gotta make the morning last; Just kickin’ down the cobblestones; Lookin’ for fun and feelin’ groovy…” Take the time to slow down, take deep breaths, enjoy a good meal, go for a run, and step back from social networks. By doing so, you’ll feel more relaxed, focused, and groovy, which can help you achieve your goals and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.