The festive season can be a time for loved ones to come together and celebrate. It can also be a stressful time for many of us.
No matter how you are spending the festive season, it’s important to take a step back and take time to look after yourself. As we approach the end of a difficult year, it is even more important to take time to rest and recharge. Staying grounded is a way of staying calm and connected by bringing your focus to your body or your surroundings. You can use grounding techniques to help create space from distressing feelings, or to be more mindful of what's happening in the present moment.
There are lots of things you can do to help yourself stay grounded throughout this busy time of year. In case it’s helpful, we’ve gathered some tips to get you started, including quotes from our supporters on how they stay grounded during the festive season.
Write down how you’re feeling in a journal, pick up the phone to a friend and spend time in nature.
Lauren, Elgin
Think of things that you enjoy doing and share them with those who are important to you. 🎄✨
Emily
Pay attention to the present
This five-step exercise can be really helpful when your mind is bouncing around between anxious thoughts or endless to-do lists. Follow this 5-4-3-2-1 exercise and try to make an effort to notice the little things you might not always pay attention to.
- Notice five things that you can see. It could be anything inside or outside. Try to pay close attention and pick something you may not have noticed before.
- Notice four things you can touch. Bring your attention to what you can feel. It may be the texture of your clothing or the feeling of the wind.
- Notice three things you can hear. This could be the birds or sounds in the distance. Pay special attention to the sounds your mind has tuned out, such as a ticking clock or trees blowing in the wind.
- Notice two things you can smell. Try to notice smells in the air around you. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or the smell of fresh air.
- Notice one thing you can taste. Take a sip of a drink or notice the taste of the inside of your mouth.
This time of year, it is so soothing to walk with my husband and enjoy the natural world and the autumn colours.
Sallie, Doddington
Swapping your phone for a book is a smart way to slow down and unwind.
Matt, Feel Good Book Club
Tap into your creativity
One way to help anchor yourself and find some balance is to tap into your creativity! Giving yourself time to focus on an activity can help you relax and unwind. Giving yourself time to focus on an activity can help you relax and unwind. Maybe it’s making your own cards or decorations.
Take a deep breath
Find quiet times away from noise and others - focus on loving, kind breaths.
Robert, Lancaster
It might sound simple, but controlled breathing can be a useful tool for feeling calmer.
Box breathing is easy to memorise and can be practised almost anywhere. To practise this technique, all you need to do is this:
- Breathe in for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Breathe out for four seconds
- Wait four seconds before repeating
You can use the video below to help you count.