Making Your Presence a Present This Holiday Season

Many of us consider the season of giving our favorite time of year, yet by the time we get to the new year, we feel like the entire holiday season has just flown by!

While you're visiting and spending time with you friends, family, coworkers or even your community this season, it's important to give more than just gifts and dishes—give your presence.

What Does "Being Present" Mean?

You might think of being present as simply being there, but it involves much more than that. It's about being present, mindful and aware of not just what's going on around you but also your own feelings and thoughts.

The particular benefits of being present and living in the moment are numerous and would likely fill pages upon pages, but they can be boiled down to a few simple advantages for yourself and those around you:

1. You'll be able to take pleasure in conversations, games and the company of others. If you're attentive and enjoying your time with others, they are more likely to relax, be more attentive and have a good time as well.
2. You'll have more authentic connections with others, leading to deeper and longer-lasting relationships as well as more impactful memories.
3. You'll have less stress and anxiety, which can peak around the holidays and significantly impact your mental health.

How Can I Be More Present?

Since many of us don't actively practice mindfulness every day, it can be difficult to remember or know if we're doing "presence" correctly. Here are some tips to get started and ways to help you remember:

1. Stop striving for perfection. Whether it's finding that perfect gift or making the best dish at your holiday party, there are plenty of ways you can become overly self-conscious. Instead of worrying about how you did or what others think, try to simply be thankful for the time you get to spend with them and the chance you have to offer something special.
2. Turn off, put away and forget any distractions. This including cellphones, televisions and computers. This gives you an open space to actively listen to others and engage in activities you can do together.
3. Take a moment to yourself. This can be helpful if you're nervous or stressed right before you enter your family's home or join the party. Take a few deep and deliberate breaths. This can calm your nerves and settle you into the present.
4. Practice general wellness. This means getting some daily exercise in, getting plenty of sleep and consuming plenty of nutrients. The busy holiday season makes it easy to forget a meal or two or miss out on sleep, but if your body isn't nourished or tired, it can make it difficult to focus on anything else.
5. Make mindfulness a habit. Remembering to be present is probably the most difficult part, but there are ways to remind yourself and build the habit. Some experts suggest using masking tape with the word "Presence" written on it to place on your bathroom mirror. This way you see it every morning and are cued into the moment.

The holiday season can be magical, but it can also be stressful and wearying. Being present can help you see past these emotions and difficulties and make these holidays truly special.