Here's a Christmas mindfulness exercise - perfect for the season. Allowing yourself a mindful break is a good way to take some time out, relieve stress, and soothe your mind and body, enabling you to better manage the holiday season. This is a classic mindfulness exercise with a twist. Engage all your senses and indulge in a moment of mindfulness with your favourite festive drink.
- You will need
- 5-10 minutes
- A quiet corner
- Hot chocolate, mulled anything or other festive favourite!
Optional extras: Cosy blanket and a scented candle for a dose of winter hygge
At this time of year, add a festive twist to your mindfulness meditation with this simple mindfulness exercise. This is an easy and enjoyable way to step off the festive treadmill of planning, doing, scheduling, baking, making, buying, wrapping... and take a bit of balance with you back into your life during a busy time of year and just 'be' for a few minutes... During this mindfulness exercise you will use all your senses to home in on your hot chocolate (or other festive treat).
1. Begin by sitting with your drink, preferably somewhere where you won't be disturbed, bringing your attention to your breathing, and allow yourself the luxury of paying attention to your breath for a few moments. Now bring your focus to the smell of your drink. What do you notice? Take your time to see what you can discover.
2. Feel the weight of the cup in your hand. Notice the temperature of the glass, or the texture of the cup of glass. Of course, if at any time, you start to notice your mind wandering off to other things you need to do, you can thank it kindly, and return your focus back to our mindful meditation.
3. Use your eyes to appreciate the look of the drink (and the cup/glass)... Is there any steam you can follow? You could trace the shape of your cup? Notice any patterns on the top of the drink? Any movement? How's the colour? What else can you see, now you notice it?
4. When you've taken a couple of minutes, you're free to take your first sip. As you do, see what you really notice about the flavour and texture of your drink? Take your time, slow down and savour the sensations, keeping your focus on this moment. There’s nothing else to do right now but take this time for yourself.
5. Take your time and make a note of anything that surprised you during this exercise, and how this might help you through the Christmas season.
6. Smile and return to your festive duties, bringing some of the calm and warmth with you into the rest of your day!
Alternatives: Mulled wine, mulled apple juice, or even a mince pie! This mindfulness meditation can be easily adapted to your favourite festive treat.
Wishing you peace at all times...