10 Tips To Stay Grounded During The Hustle And Bustle Of The Holiday Season

If you’ll allow me, I’d like to start with a confession:

The Monday before Thanksgiving, three days before the big day, I was a mess of tears.

I was working on a project, but I was getting nowhere because my mind was moving a mile a minute, thinking about all I had to do later in the week.

We have a small family, and not many are able to travel to join us for this holiday, but you know how it goes - everyone has their favorite dishes and requests - so, even though we aren’t large in number, the meal is always massive.

And, in our family, I’m the one who cooks the entire meal, start to finish.

Then, my kids are pretty tied to our traditions, so the notion of decorating for Christmas prior to Thanksgiving is pretty much out of the question.

This means I prepare desserts and other foods all day on Wednesday, cook all day on Thursday, clean up, take down fall decor, and decorate the whole house for Christmas on Friday.

Then, Saturday night we have an evening of dips, treats, charcuterie boards, and snacks for our traditional Christmas movie marathon to start the holiday season.

Now, I love these traditions, but somehow with each passing year, I get more and more overwhelmed by it all.

Just thinking about who’s coming to dinner(s), who is no longer with us, all the to-do’s, cooking, cleaning, getting presents, being present…it can really be…well, a lot.

And, this year, as I broke down in stress-filled tears at the thought of it all, I realized I needed a shift in mindset, a better plan (complete with commissioned help), and the grace to extend to myself in the midst of it all.

Unfortunately, even though I had a better grasp on things by the end of the night, the stress of the day and those leading up to it must’ve been a bit too much for my immune system, because I awoke Tuesday morning with a painfully awful cold.

Sore throat, drainage, cough, sneezing, watery eyes, and eventually a few aches and chills…as if that’s what I needed right in the middle of tackling my holiday to-do list!

Now, why did I tell you all of this?

Because I know I’m not alone.

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, which many of us are unable to escape this time of year, there lies a real, timely, pertinent need for - grounding.

Staying grounded amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season involves:

• Remaining level-headed, even practical
• Being present
• Staying calm
• Taking time to rest
• Being aware of your emotions and needs
• Being mentally/emotionally stable

Now, it’s obvious that I wasn’t grounded in the experience I shared above.

And it’s easy to see how that disrupted my work, affected me emotionally, got me down physically, and more.

Of course, that’s not what any of us want, especially around the holidays!

So, today let’s look at a few tips to avoid meltdowns, tears, stress-overload, panic, sleepless nights, and basically just a big pile of burnout throughout this season, instead making room for what counts - time with loved ones, making memories, laughing, loving, and truly enjoying life in this season and all the weeks to come!

10 Tips To Stay Grounded During The Hustle And Bustle Of The Holiday Season

Being grounded is a necessity in life.

We like to think we’re in charge, that we’re in control of what happens in our family and our day to day living.

But in reality, we’re not.

Weather can change plans in the blink of an eye.

Work schedules can change, flights get canceled, unexpected family members can arrive at any moment, plumbing or electrical issues can arise, and on and on.

When you think about it, all of those things are really “just life,” because life is full of unexpected moments. But, when you experience these things in the midst of the holiday season, which always seems to be exceptionally busy, it can really throw you for a loop.

Even without the unexpected hiccups, the holidays are filled with so many events, extra shopping, traveling, and stress after stress after stress.

Staying grounded through it all is just about the only way to get through the hustle and bustle in a healthy way.

So, to expand the list we began above, describing what it means to be grounded…

Being grounded essentially means being in touch with yourself and your mental and emotional needs to promote or maintain balance.

Being grounded means you’re mindful, being present in the moment, focused on what is happening (instead of letting your mind race about all the unfinished and unknowns).

And, being grounded also means you value yourself and your loved ones enough to protect your peace, being realistic, sensible, and unswayed amidst potential turmoil and stress.

There are a number of ways to remain grounded throughout the season, and honestly, these tips truly go hand in hand with the holidays, so what better time to put these tips into practice than now?

1- Practice Mindfulness

You can practice mindfulness in a variety of ways, but each technique has one goal - to relieve stress, center your thoughts, and help you focus on what’s important, being present in the moment.

One way to practice mindfulness is through listening.

So, in the midst of busy holiday schedules, find some time to be alone, even if it’s just in your car.

Once you’ve found a quiet spot, sit there and close your eyes. Focus on the sound of your breathing, then slowly take in the other sounds around you.

Don’t think about these sounds. Don’t pass any sort of judgment on what’s taking place all around you. Instead, just focus on the sounds and focus on your breathing.

Mindfulness can also include deep breathing exercises.

Personally, I like to practice deep breathing first thing in the morning, but you can also do this in the midst of high stress situations.

So, if needed, as you’re wrapping gifts this year, stop for a moment, and take a deep breath, slowly feeling your stomach (not your chest) fill with air for a few counts. Then pause for an equal number of counts, and slowly exhale, feeling the air leave your abdomen before you repeat the process.

Then, to help you focus and be present, in the moment, throughout any holiday gatherings, you can practice sensory mindfulness by being intentional with each experience.

Feel the texture and temperature of a simple mug of coffee as you sip. Savor the flavors as they dance across your tongue. Slowly taste every indulgent bite of the dessert you’re consuming alongside your brew.

Hear the music playing in the background as you’re shopping, listen to the laughter of those nearby, or focus in on a particular scent that you enjoy in the room.

Each of these mindfulness practices can help you stabilize your thoughts, steady your mood, and keep you focused and present in the moment.

2- Listen To Music

Music can be closely tied to our emotions. Songs can make us feel happy, sad, nostalgic, energized, and more.

And, listening to music can also extend past those emotions, bringing an overall sense of balance to our entire mental state.

If you begin to feel anxious or stressed, listen to some relaxing music (whatever is relaxing to you), and as you listen, allow the lyrics as well as the tune to draw you away from feelings of overwhelm, instead clearing your thoughts and allowing you to focus on the melodies in the song.

Essentially, this can serve as another form of mindfulness to ground you, mentally and emotionally.

3- Stay Hydrated

With the extra sweet treats, boozy drinks, and added tasks this time of year, you can easily (very easily) become dehydrated, and this can wreak havoc on your sleep quality, stress levels, and more.

So, be sure to get plenty of water this time of year.

For most, this means seeking to drink roughly half your body weight in ounces of water. In other words, if you weigh 150 pounds, seek to drink 75 ounces of water each day for optimal health.

4- Get In Some Gym Time

Even if you already have a regular exercise routine, during the holiday season it’s often common for that routine to get thrown out of whack.

The thing is, this is the time when your body really needs movement.

Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and other stress relieving hormones that are needed on any given day but especially during a season of stressful moments.

So, don’t skip your gym time.

And, if you don’t have a regular exercise schedule, start now.

Plan to get in a walk around the block for starters, and feel free to increase from there, adding in some strength training, maybe a little time on the treadmill, go ice skating at your local rink, etc.

Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for the needed movement, and you’ll be more focused, feel more uplifted, and relieve stress in the process!

5- Redirect Your Thoughts

When your mind is racing, stress is mounding, and rationality seems to be slipping, take a break and redirect your thoughts.

In doing so, direct your mind back to your present task, away from any distressing thoughts, and instead focus on what is right in front of you.

If you’re working, take a deep breath and reroute your thoughts back to the task at hand.

If you’re with your friends or family members, reel your racing thoughts back in and stay grounded by focusing on what your loved ones are talking about. Zone in on the sound of their voice, on the joy in their laughter.

If needed, use your senses and mentally take note of one thing you see, smell, hear, feel, or taste.

If needed, think of a song you enjoy, even mentally reciting the lyrics to calm your mind; reign your thoughts back in, and move away from what’s causing you stress.

Or again, if needed, visualize serenity, a calming scene, person, or place that not only relaxes you but also allows you to redirect your thoughts to what matters most.

6- Gratitude

Throughout the holidays, lately I’ve found myself overwhelmed with grief, thinking of those I love who are no longer with us.

Many experience these same feelings this time of year, and such emotions can captivate our thoughts, even amplifying stress and seemingly hijacking our mind and emotions, preventing us from experiencing the love and joy right in front of us.

One way to stay grounded, combating the tendency for such feelings to overtake us, is to redirect these thoughts to gratitude.

For instance, when I’m feeling distant from the moment, thinking of my grandmother, grandfather, uncle, or brother, all of whom have passed on, I now think of something I’m thankful for from holidays past with them.

I think fondly of my grandmother when preparing one of her recipes. I intentionally bake my brother’s favorite cookies this time of year for my children to enjoy.

I fondly recall the joy my grandpa brought to each of us as he created the most fabulous display of lights each year.

But, I don’t let my thoughts end here, I allow the gratitude I feel for these memories to ground me, prompting me to recognize all I have to be grateful for right here, right now.

Each day throughout the hectic nature of this season, make it a point to either begin or end each day by taking note of the things you’re grateful for - things that happened that day, things you enjoy about the season, things you’ve seen, heard, experienced…all of it.

This practice will serve to bring a sense of calm, relieve stress, help you feel fewer negative emotions, focus your thoughts, and improve your mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing.

7- Massage

Whether you realize it or not, the added stress and hustle and bustle of the season can manifest itself in your physical body, leading to stored tension.

Of course, we’re often made aware of this stored tension when we feel the consequences of it, namely in aches and pains, headaches, joint pain, neck and back pain, and more.

One way to combat this and aid in grounding efforts is through massage therapy.

Consider this a gift for yourself this holiday season and get a therapeutic massage to relieve stress and tension, allowing you to relax and regain balance in your body and mind.

8- Aromatherapy

I used to love burning candles throughout the holiday season. It served to bring me a sense of peace, but unfortunately…eventually…I began having breathing troubles and endocrine issues from the synthetic fragrances.

So, to better support my body, I’ve switched to diffusing essential oils (and now I like to burn beeswax candles for the calming, ambient effect).

Many essential oils provide grounding benefits that serve to promote relaxation, bring a sense of calm, deepen your breathing, and provide mental and emotional balance.

Cedarwood is one oil known for its grounding properties, and you can couple this with a seasonal oil, such as pine, for a calming, grounding, pleasant fragrance.

Frankincense is another favorite both for the season and for its ability to deepen your breathing and calm your mind.

Then personally, I love diffusing black spruce throughout the holiday season when I’m stressed. This combined with vanilla is very pleasant, but more importantly it is naturally relaxing.

9- Get Your Zzzzz’s

As exhausting as the hustle and bustle often is, it seems that sleep eludes many folks this time of year.

Unfortunately, a lack of sleep or even poor sleep quality only makes it harder to appropriately handle stress.

This is why it’s so important to prioritize sleep, especially throughout the holiday season.

Getting quality sleep keeps you grounded for many reasons as it:

• maintains balance and good mental health
• improves your mood
• improves your physical health (making it easier to handle strain and stress)
• helps you think more clearly
• helps you cope with change
• aids in controlling emotions
• reduces stress

So, as tempting as it is to burn the midnight oil, opt for sleep instead, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays…even consider an early afternoon 20-minute nap if you’re able!

10- Lean Into Love

It’s true that the holidays can be hectic; I mean, it seems the phrase ‘hustle and bustle’ is reserved for this time of year alone, and that says a lot.

But, there’s also a lot of love to be shared and enjoyed this time of year.

From time spent with family and friends, to the everyday encounters with coworkers and/or the general public, there’s often a greater spirit of kindness that’s unearthed in the holiday season.

Sure, there’s likely some less than kind encounters to be had, but what good does it do you (or anyone) to dwell on such interactions.

Instead, see the good, be the good, and think on the good things that surround you this time of year.

Leaning into this kind of mindset can uplift your spirits/mood, change your outlook, reduce tension, relieve stress, and ultimately it just makes life a little better when we choose love, kindness, and thoughtfulness.

In fact, if you ask me, this just might be the best way to keep our hearts and minds grounded during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

I truly hope you’ll find these tips helpful, but more than anything, I hope you extend yourself grace. Take time to enjoy yourself and others this season. And, may you experience an abundance of joy, peace, and love all throughout the year!

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References:

https://coriechu.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-be-grounded

https://www.gaiam.com/blogs/discover/7-ways-to-stay-grounded-this-holiday-season

https://milesolsen.com/blog/2020/5/4/what-does-it-mean-to-be-grounded-how-to-be-more-grounded

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/from-striving-to-thriving/202412/how-to-feel-more-grounded-this-holiday-season

https://www.soothe-your-soul.com/blog/5-tips-for-staying-grounded-during-the-holidays

https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-practice-mindfulness

https://www.calm.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-practice-mindfulness-in-daily-life#

https://northrange.org/blog/grounded-in-gratitude/#

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

https://nikura.com/blogs/essential-oils/benefits-and-uses-of-black-spruce-oil#

https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep#: