Mindfulness for the Holidays
With the holidays coming up, there is sure to be a lot of stress. From parties to presents to holiday travel, it’s essential to take some to focus on your peace of mind and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. There’s no better place to get a little extra holiday joy than on the Outer Banks! With all sorts of things to do during the winter months as well as plenty of holiday celebrations, the Outer Banks has a little bit of something for everyone who’s looking to rest and recover this holiday season.
But even if you’re not able to get down to the beach for the holidays, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s Outer Banks vacation! Take a look at our available rentals and start daydreaming about digging your toes in the sand and frolicking in the warm waves of summer. Whenever you get a little overwhelmed this holiday season, just think about the bliss you feel when you’re at the Outer Banks and let yourself drift away to your seaside escape. And in the meantime, here are our tips for enjoying a little extra holiday mindfulness and holding onto that Outer Banks zen.
1. Remember to Breathe
When it comes to dealing with anxiety and the stress of daily life, your breath is an essential part of how your body responds. Whenever you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed with everything piling up this time of year, give yourself a moment take a deep breath and reconfigure your mind. Take several long, deep breaths and you’ll immediately feel more centered and relaxed.
2. Check-In With Yourself
Whether you’re out shopping or prepping dinner at home, give yourself a chance to check-in with how you are feeling. Is there any tension in your body? How is your breathing? Coming back to yourself while doing daily tasks and practicing ongoing mindfulness can be really helpful when trying to manage stress and make it through the holiday season in one piece.
3. Be Honest About Your Emotions
The holidays are hard for everyone, even if you really love this time of year. So be sure to let yourself feel these emotions without judgment. Let go of whatever expectations you have for how the season is supposed to go and simply allow yourself to experience what comes. Whether you experience grief, loss, joy, anxiety, or a combination of all of these, accept that this is all part of the process and release your expectations. This will help you enjoy and be more present in the moment.
4. Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to do anything. Whether it’s packing for that road trip to the Outer Banks or wrapping presents, you’ll be much better off when you plan in advance. If you know you’re going to be traveling, be sure to bring snacks for the kids. Keep extra blankets in the car. And make sure to have those presents wrapped a couple days in advance, especially if you’re going to be traveling. Check out our Guide to Holiday Travel for even more tips for getting on the road!
5. Look Forward to 2023
Sometimes, when things get really stressful, all you can do is look for that light at the end of the tunnel. The sun will be back soon and it will be spring before you know it! When it starts getting dark just a little too early, just remember that next year is right around the corner. Give yourself something to look forward to! Consider booking your next Outer Banks vacation today and let yourself drift away to our beautiful beaches whenever you need a moment to yourself. The beach is waiting! The only thing missing is you!
About the Author: Lauren is a mom, author, and travel enthusiast. She grew up on the Outer Banks and only left for a few years to get her degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and complete a tour in the Coast Guard before making her way back to the beach in 2017. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with a book and cup of tea in hand, planning her next travel adventure.
