We all have an idea of the things that we should consider saying no to, like over functioning, overbooking ourselves or exposing ourselves to family members who are hurtful or unhealthy. What about the things we should say yes to? We don’t talk enough about that. With 4 days until Christmas, we are in the countdown! At Modern Therapy and Wellness, we hope that this list gives you some ideas of things that you can say YES to.
- Say yes to mindfulness
Mindfulness is essentially staying present in the moment. It means being more aware and being fully engaged in what’s happening around you. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD defines it as “awareness cultivated by paying attention in a sustained, particular way, on purpose.”
With all of the go, go, go energy around the holidays, how can we stay in the moment? Here are 4 ways:
- Think of one thing daily that you feel grateful for
- Engage in activities that focus on the 5 senses: Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell
- Close your eyes and practice breathing for 5 breaths a couple of times a day
- Practice being engaged in the things that are happening around you
2. Say yes to sticking to some of your routines
- Go for that run by the lake at 9:00 am before the day starts
- Take that long walk with your dog Christmas morning
- Sit in the sauna Christmas eve during the day before it closes
3. Say yes to honoring your feelings
- If you’re grieving and want alone time, honor that
- If you’re going through a breakup and want to skip the party in favor for time with your bestie, honor that
- If you’re going through a hard time and want to just chill this year, honor that
- If it’s been a stressful year and you want to pick up food instead of cooking, honor that
- If you want to sit on the sofa in your Christmas socks with your favorite movie, honor that
4. Say yes to connecting with others
While honoring your feelings is important, finding some ways to connect with safe people is equally important. If connecting with family is not an option this year, think about safe friendships and make some plans that feel good to you.
- Have coffee with a friend
- Meet up with a loved one to see Christmas lights
- Go to a movie with a dear friend
- Schedule a zoom date with your old friend in Texas
5. Say yes to glimmers
Deb Dana coined the term glimmers. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. Glimmers are the things in our lives that help us to feel safe, warm, and connected. They are small moments that bring us a feeling of peace. Glimmers are the moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation. Kari Anderson describes glimmers as a feeling of “awe”.
- Bask in the comfort of your favorite pajamas
- Notice the warmth you feel when you hear your favorite song
- Notice a strangers smile as you’re checking out at the grocery store
- Catch a glimpse of the moon
- Notice a friend’s kind words
- Enjoy cuddling with your dog or your child
- Enjoying the warmth of that cup of coffee
- Enjoy reading that familiar Christmas book
- Seeing the pink sky as the sunsets
- Keep a glimmer journal for a couple of days and write down all of the things or moments that spark joy
Modern Therapy and Wellness is a small therapy practice in New Orleans. We are a relationship centric practice. Whether it’s working on your relationship with yourself or others, we can help you. We see people in person in New Orleans or via telehealth anywhere in Louisiana. Give us a call at 504-452-1483