Skip to content 
The Idea of the Week
Staying in the present moment is easier said than done. With so many things vying for your attention, it can feel impossible to allow yourself to just be.
Have you found yourself dreaming of the holidays while at work, only to spend your days off worrying about the mountain of tasks awaiting your return—or replaying the past, ruminating on what was and what could have been? Both take you away from fully enjoying the here and now.
So, this year, give yourself the gift of the present. Let’s make the most of this moment. In this 5-minute video, Kati Morton offers 5 Must Know Holiday Tips for Happiness and ways to stay present this holiday season.
The Practice of the Week
Imagine you look back on this holiday and you remember, not the stress, but the joy of being there for every moment.
Below, we’ve gathered 10 practical tips from VeryWell Mind and Positive Psychology to live in this moment and create memories this season. Check out the articles for more practices.
- Notice your surroundings. Take in the details and experience this moment through your senses.
- Monotask. Focus on one task at a time. Juggling multiple tasks at once means you are constantly and quickly shifting your attention between the tasks. It means you split your energy between the tasks, and it makes it harder for you to stay grounded. When you work on something, give it your full attention.
- Practice gratitude. What are you grateful for right now? Not the past and not the future, but what you have right now.
- Practice acceptance. Recognize what is beyond your control and let go of judgment. Acceptance helps you find peace in the present moment.
- Practice mindful meditation. Meditation practices help you observe the moment and become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, without judging them. The more you practice being in the present moment, the more time you spend in the present moment.
- Find positive social support. Choose to be with people who make you feel happy and fulfilled.
- Practice mindful eating. This involves paying attention to your food and noticing how it makes you feel. Notice its taste, texture, and aroma. Eating mindfully connects you to the present through your senses.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. Focusing on the breath is a quick way to be present. You can’t breathe in the past or the future!
- Do a mindful body scan. Start with your toes and scan up your body. Notice any sensations, tension, or comfort, and breathe into each area.
- Write “morning pages” in a journal. In a journal, practice freewriting. This is a stream of consciousness writing practice. Jot down anything and everything that crosses your mind. Do not worry about grammar or punctuation. It does not even have to “make sense” or have complete sentences. Just write the “mindless chatter” from your head. This practice clears mental clutter and brings you clarity.
News of the Week
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events and special deals!
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
