It’s the crazy holiday season, and we’re rushing from family get-togethers and Christmas shopping. Often we forget to slow down and think about what really matters. When you think with your five senses, you take the time to appreciate what you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. This can change your awareness, as well as what you truly value.
Sometimes when we’re feeling anxious because of all the cause we need to stop and take a break, take some breaths and engage our senses:
- Find a sight you’re grateful for-Sometimes, it’s looking outside at seeing a colorful rainbow and a sunny day at the end of November. It makes up for all the cold and stormy days that put you in a funk.
- Decipher some sounds-Do you hear some light rain pitter-pattering on your roof? It sounds relaxing and soothing like the kinds that are in those “white noise,” machines. Or maybe you hear your children laughing and playing in the next room, and nothing warms the heart faster than happy children.
- Savor a favorite smell-Take a minute to smell an aroma around you. Is it a familiar and inviting one that makes you happy like the smell of freshly baked cookies? One of my favorite scents is freshly brewed coffee. I love the aroma with a hint of cinnamon. My coffee re-energizes me to keep working so I sip it slowly as I keep going.
- Find a taste that beckons you-With the holidays, it might be a Thanksgiving favorite like your mom’s homemade stuffing. I love the taste and smell of pumpkin and look forward to my cousin’s pumpkin pie. It’s one of my happy places, and I’m grateful, even though she’s busy that she makes it for us, and that she sends the leftovers home with me.
- Appreciate the sense of touch-This could be as simple as wrapping yourself in a warm blanket that your grandmother knitted you, while your dog snuggles as your feet. If you’re a snuggly type of person, envelope a family member in a hug and tell them you love them.
These small things will help us realize the small things in our lives and express gratitude for the people and things we have.
We know that holidays are chaotic and often bring stress and anxiety. If you need help learning how to slow down and practice mindfulness and sensual gratitude, please contact us at (510) 949-8668.
