Calm amid the Festive Frenzy: four micro-practices for staying sane

Take a moment to mentally step back. Ask yourself, 'how important would this issue look six months from now? ..A few years on?' I find that in most cases, the answer is 'not important at all'. Sometimes, this flags up what is important. Often, this is to do with our relationships. It matters how we treat people, including ourselves.

By this time of year, hedgehogs, dormice and bats have tucked themselves away for the winter. Hibernation is nature's way of surviving the cold and dark. There is some evidence that early humans also went into hibernation. We do not do so nowadays, though we may find the idea attractive. Other creatures, like badgers, go into 'winter lethargy' to conserve energy. They put on weight and spend most of their time underground – somewhat like being under the duvet. I can relate to this!

We have developed effective ways of countering the cold and dark. But in spite of central heating and electric light, we are still affected by the seasons. It is normal to have more energy in the spring and summer. And we are more prone to sickness as we head into the winter. We may need to pay more attention to looking after ourselves. So, it feels natural to slow down and shift into a more internal way of being.

Through the ages, people in Southern Asia have seen the rainy season as an ideal time for quiet reflection, as they shelter from the monsoon. Rainy Season Retreats happen across the Buddhist world even today. We do not have a monsoon season in this part of the world, but the winter months may offer a similar opportunity for us. I choose to go on an annual retreat in December. It's a good time for stillness. To keep things simple.

But!

Christmas! 

It is central to our culture's seasonal rhythm. It can bring lovely things, for sure. Yet it also brings a big dollop of stress for many.

In my school teaching days, I remember the Autumn term as being long and exhausting. This was partly due to the creeping cold and dark. But at the same time, as Christmas approached, the atmosphere in school would build into a kind of frenzy. Comments about children 'bouncing off the walls' were standard. Far from being a more gentle and spacious time, for many people December is manic. This can be especially true for women and those with family responsibilities. Shop! Cook! Clean! And, by the way, navigate tricky family dynamics!

We know that mindfulness helps reduce stress. Yet, attendance at sessions tends to drop off as Christmas approaches. Many people feel that they are too busy. A familiar comment is, "the times when the practice feels hardest to keep up are the times when I need it most."

It is worth remembering that anything that helps to de-stress helps us be more efficient. When the to-do list seems to be ever-expanding, it is a good time for mindfulness practice. Even in very small bites. Here are some suggestions for restoring clarity and calm.

Mindful moments. These can change the whole trajectory of your day. Sit down, take three slow breaths, feel your feet on the ground, your body on the seat, notice how you feel. Whatever you feel, the simple act of noticing can soften your experience.

5-minute break. Resist the urge to whip out your phone; to take in yet more information. Find somewhere quiet and comfortable, get a drink, settle back. Look out of the window, or close your eyes. Nothing to do for a few sweet minutes.

Gaining perspective. When you notice that you are getting worked up about something, take a moment to mentally step back. Ask yourself, 'how important would this issue look six months from now? ..A few years on?' This can be a way of regaining perspective. I find that in most cases, the answer is 'not important at all'. Sometimes, this can flag up what is important. Often, this is to do with our relationships. It matters how we treat people, including ourselves. Sometimes we behave like our own slave-driver. This is useful - if painful - to spot. Hold an intention to be a little kinder.

Letting go. Another useful question is 'what do I not need to do? Is there something of little importance that I could let go of this time around? Make a list, then don't do them!

These simple acts of mindfulness take up little time. But they may help provide extra mental space to prepare for an enjoyable festive season.