Did you know you can use your five senses to de-stress this holiday? Yes, you really can! How many times have you heard “Don’t focus on the material world…. there is more here than you can see?” I certainly have found that thought to be true.
I believe it’s important to look beyond what’s in front of you. I also believe there is a lot to be said for using all your senses. One of the most fun and powerful ways to reduce anxiety about all you have to do is to use your five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight to take time in the moment. Appreciate what you’re doing right now….yes, savor what you doing. It may sound silly, but savoring isn’t just for the enjoyment of food. I have found (as many others have found in research studies) that savoring really works to enhance your sense of wellbeing and to reduce stress. I love savoring because you can do it anywhere, any any time and with anything. Savoring is simply gratitude in the moment.
When you use your five senses to really take in and pay attention to what you’re doing and what is around you your sense of peace expands and stress starts to dissolve even during the super busy times. When you savor it frees you up from the “thought struggle” and worry about you have to do next. Savoring keeps your left brain happy and content with “doing”. You can’t run a to-do list in your head and savor at the same time. Savoring allows your right brain the free space for relaxation or creativity to seep in resulting in surprising possibilities. Savoring fills your holidays with joyful, precious times and a full treasure chest of the gems of beautiful memories.
As I get ready to take out the boxes for the holiday decorations, I remember even the process can be savored. When I stayed focused and savored the job of decorating last year, time seemed to fly by. Before I knew it I was finished; sitting, enjoying the transformation. Savoring really helped me enjoy the process of decorating ……….not to just enjoy the results.
As I take bring in the holiday decorations this year, I will be smiling instead of dreading it. (I no longer focus on how much work it is or how much I still have to do.) Any feelings of stress will slip away as I savor and enjoy new emotions surfacing this year. Yes, you guessed it. I will be feeling gratitude and contentment.
12 Easy Savoring Tips for Less Stress and More Joy
- Take in the colorful sights in the grocery store and look for smiling faces
- Stop for a moment to feast your eyes on the sights of your creations
- Really be in the moment and appreciate the changes around you
- Notice the small details while you are involved in a task
- Look for moments to enjoy the sounds of laughter; watch for moments of joy
- Fill yourself up with the sounds and music of the season
- In the malls look deeper than the commercialism and notice the kindness around
- Make your shopping experience one you like. Savor your gift choices. Focus on the joy of your gift recipient
- Give your full attention when you spend time with your family and friends
- Help your children make a game out of whatever they have to do
- Focus on the positive and savor every moment of harmony
- Relax and savor just a few minutes of pure peace and quiet to rejuvenate yourself
(yes, you can find those few moments) Visit the spa at SerenityPathways.com
Savoring lifts your mood and protects your health. Savoring helps erase the hassled and rushed feelings we often have during the holiday season.
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