The art of being present in the moment is something that can be continually worked on and practiced well after the festive season ends. Here are some tips to help you cultivate presence now (in the often hectic leadup to Christmas) and beyond.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation is a technique that can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can train your mind to be more present in everyday activities. Everyday activities like doing laundry or cleaning the house! There is something about a simple, repetative task that can keep us focussed and in the moment without letting the mind wander.
Engage your senses
Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Engaging your senses fully in your current experience can bring you into the present moment. During the festive season this might mean appreciating the aroma of baking cookies and letting the scent ground you in the present moment rather than thinking of it as being a chore.
Practice Gratitude
Take a moment to appreciate the things you have in your life. Gratitude can help you focus on the present moment and create a positive mindset.
Chances are, we are not all going to handle the Christmas season perfectly. We may forget things, even seemingly important things. We may feel as if we are completely disorganised and out of control. Or we may completely ‘lose it’ and have a major falling out with someone in our family.
Often in these circumstances we are our own harshest critics. We beat ourselves up over what we could have done differently and our minds carry us away with thoughts about why things have turned out like this. We can lead ourselves into a downwards cycle of negative thoughts.
Research is showing that being kinder to ourselves has powerful effects on how we cope with life’s stresses. By accepting that we will make mistakes and forgiving ourselves when we do, without judging ourselves, can help to feel can feel soothed and calmed.
Limit Distractions
Identify and minimise distractions in your environment, such as turning off notifications on your phone or finding a quiet space where you can concentrate on the task at hand.
During the festive season this task might look like turning the art of gift wrapping into a mindful exercise. Take your time to wrap each gift, appreciating the thought and effort put into selecting the perfect present for each person.
Our Bamboo T-Towels are a great alternative to traditonal gift wrap. A more sustainable option without the single-use waste. We like to think the wrapping is part of the gift itself!
Savour the moment
Sharing a meal with friends or family can be seen as stressful but those who have family and freinds in their lives are the lucky ones! It't an opportunity to put the phone away, make eye contact and give the person you are chatting with your full attention. Take the time to truly savor and appreciate the experience - even if you are host! No catch up or event is perfect. Someone always spills something and accidents can happen, but that's life and with ENJO we hope to tkeep this little mishaps, well little! A spilled drink on the floor can easily be cleaned up with our Floorcleaner or food stains on clothes can quickly be removed with Fabric Glove. A quick clean up and go so you can get back to focussing your full attention on what's important with those who are most important.
Tackle big tasks first
Hosting a festive function? Plan ahead by breaking big tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts will make the task seem smaller. Write them down and check them off as you go to feel more satisfied. If you can delegate, even better!
Doing the prep work bit by bit, ahead of the event will help and if you have the right tools for the job then this can be a quick and simple process. Where your cleaning routine is involved, our sustainable products are not only 6x more effective than chemical based cleaning, but you need less products! Never be caught out without a cleaning product and have to make your way to the cleaning aisle. Our products last up to 3 years so you can have them on hand and ready to go.
Remember, being present is a skill that takes practice. Start with small moments throughout your day and gradually work on extending your ability to be fully present. It takes time and patience, so remember to be kind to yourself especially at this time of year!