While the holidays bring joy, they also come with stress. Financial pressures, high expectations, and packed schedules can quickly steal the magic. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences, may experience heightened overwhelm due to changes in routine, sensory overload, or the pressure to navigate complex social situations. However, we believe mindfulness has a critical place in the lives of all humans, particularly during the holiday season!
How Mindfulness Can Help Everyone
Reduces Stress: A few deep breaths can calm your nervous system and provide clarity in chaotic moments.
Improves Relationships: When you’re truly present with loved ones, you listen better and connect on a deeper level.
Enhances Joy: Mindfulness helps you savor the little moments, which so often go unnoticed but truly can complete the overall experience
Promotes Resilience: A mindful mindset makes it easier to handle unexpected challenges, like burnt cookies or travel mishaps.
Mindfulness and Neurodivergence
For neurodivergent individuals, mindfulness can provide extra support by:
Regulating Overstimulation: Mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or grounding exercises, help calm sensory overload and bring focus back to the present.
Creating Predictability: Pausing to check in with yourself or using mindfulness to establish a daily anchor (e.g., a quiet morning reflection) can bring a sense of stability to unpredictable holiday schedules.
Reducing Social Anxiety: Practicing mindfulness before or during social events can ease feelings of discomfort, helping individuals engage at their own pace.
Simple Mindfulness Practices for the Holidays
Start Your Day with Gratitude: Before jumping into the holiday madness, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. We recommend journaling, which can be done either via writing on paper or via typing/dictation on your phone!
Take Breathing Breaks: Pause for 60 seconds during busy moments to focus on your breath. Inhale slowly, hold, exhale slowly, hold.
Set Boundaries: Practice self-awareness to recognize when you need a break or to decline an activity.
Savor the Experience: Whether you’re decorating, cooking, or unwrapping gifts, fully immerse yourself in the activity.
Consider a Mindfulness Class: We have 3 different mindfulness course offerings here at Circles of Communication, including ‘Mindful Morning’s, ‘Mindfulness, Movement, and Meditation,’ and ‘1-1 Mindfulness Coaching with Dez.’
The holiday season can be overwhelming for everyone, but mindfulness can help you navigate the challenges while staying connected to its beauty. For neurodivergent individuals and their families, mindfulness can be especially transformative, providing tools to ease overstimulation and bring joy to even the busiest days. Happy holidays!
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