8 Ways To Be More Present During Holiday Gatherings

(collaborative post)

People look forward to the holidays every year, but then time flies. You might become so busy with annual traditions, seasonal events and family gatherings that you feel more stressed than relaxed. Give yourself the gift of slowing down this holiday season by learning ways to be more present. You might even want to continue them in the new year if they make a significant difference in your happiness.

What Does Staying Present Mean?

Staying present means being fully aware of the current moment instead of focusing on distractions, worries or your inner monologue. If you struggle with this, you might feel like your days fly by or that stress is your constant companion. Given how over one-third of adults in the UK never talk about their mental health, overcoming this challenge can feel impossible. The good news is you can start feeling more present by identifying what takes you out of the moment.

Common Holiday Mental Health Triggers

Although the holidays are supposed to focus on having a good time with people you love, they can often trigger mental health symptoms that make life more difficult. Consider if any common triggers affect your holiday enjoyment too:

●      Not seeing the people you love during the holidays

●      Missing loved ones who have passed away

●      Being around or overeating unhealthy food

●      Experiencing traditions associated with unpleasant memories from your childhood

●      Seeing others enjoy healthy family relationships you don’t have in your own family

No matter what causes you to feel stressed or anxious during the holidays, you can feel more present by keeping your personal triggers in mind. Once you know what isn’t helping your mental health, you can try strategies to mitigate those things.

Ways to Be Present During Holiday Parties

Start feeling more present during holiday parties by taking some easy steps to protect your mental health. You might even experience more joy this holiday season than ever before.

1. Avoid Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol can create unpredictable moments. You may not have as much instinctive control over what you say or do after a few drinks. If you’re worried about what will happen after finishing your first drink of the night, decide to avoid alcohol for one party. See if you feel better afterwards or more present during the gathering.

If you decide to pause your alcohol consumption, it’s helpful to prepare what you’ll say to people when they offer you a drink. You could respond with options like:

●      I’d rather have a soda right now.

●      I’d really love a glass of sparkling water.

●      I’m the designated driver tonight.

You’ll feel more confident in your decision to skip hard beverages if you know what you’ll say to people. You can always practise in the mirror before the party to boost your self-confidence.

2. Choose One Opportunity for Growth

If you try multiple new habits simultaneously, you might get overwhelmed and stop them altogether. Pick one action or habit that makes you feel less present. Once you have it in mind, choose to focus on improving that one thing. You’ll likely have better success because you’ll direct all of your energy toward that one part of your mental health.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries

Managing your stress is a powerful way to stay present. Research shows that stress was one of the most common reasons people took a sickness absence in December of 2023. It can pull you out of your routine with physical health symptoms in addition to deteriorating your mental wellness.

Boundaries are an effective tool to keep your stress low, especially during the holidays. Decide how far you’ll travel to visit family members based on how much travel you can do before feeling on edge. You can always see other loved ones on video calls to maintain those connections, remain present and safeguard your mental health.

4. Pick Foods You’ll Enjoy

Holiday recipes might be among your favourite annual traditions, but they can also make people anxious. You don’t have to cut out entire meals to get through the holiday while feeling good in your body.

First, recognise which meals, desserts or snacks negatively affect your physical well-being. Afterwards, you can avoid overeating food that leaves you bloated, causes stomach cramps or makes your blood sugar crash. Moderation will help you feel better, which makes it easier to enjoy the moment.

You can also swap ingredients to feel better if you’re in charge of holiday party food. Opting for dark chocolate without added sugar could prevent the sugar crashes you want to avoid. It all depends on what you typically eat during holiday parties.

5. Take Breaks While Socialising

Parties are fun, but they can also feel overly stimulating. Imagine a room full of people who are all talking loudly. In the background, there’s holiday music playing from a set of speakers across the room. The colourful string lights around the room glow beneath bright overhead lights on the ceiling. The visual and auditory input can overwhelm your mind, especially if your nervous system is more sensitive to external stimuli. The result is higher levels of stress during parties.

If you’re anxious or stressed, you might feel consumed with those feelings. When that happens at your next holiday gathering, stand outside for a few minutes where it’s quiet. Go to the bathroom and take deep breaths. You could even find an empty room, close the door and sit by yourself for a while. Once your breathing returns to normal or you feel relaxed, you can return to the party and feel more grounded.

6. Be the Person Taking Pictures

Sometimes, it’s easier to stay present if you’re doing something that focuses your intention. While you’re visiting your next holiday party, offer to be the event photographer. You could bring a camera or just use your phone. You’ll look for memories forming in real time, which means you’ll stay grounded in the present moment. You might even discover a new hobby if you love taking the pictures and editing them.

7. Practise Positive Affirmations

The anxiety that pulls you out of enjoyable moments could stem from low self-esteem. When you realise you don’t feel grounded, check in with yourself. Are you worried about not fitting in? Do you feel awkward just by being who you are? Maybe you feel panicked that the people at your gathering don’t like you as much as you like them.

Regardless of your specific worries, counter them with positive affirmations. You can say them out loud in the bathroom by yourself or in your head while you’re socialising. Saying self-affirming statements reduces anxiety levels, heart palpitations and even nausea. Keep three to five affirmations that sound like your personal cheerleader and keep them on your phone. They’ll always be within reach if you need to ground yourself.

8. Start Each Gathering With a Private Moment

Staying present may feel easier if you remember why you’re there. When you arrive at your next gathering, find a private moment for yourself in your car or on the sidewalk. Remind yourself what you want to experience at the party. Maybe you want to catch up with an old friend or exchange gifts with someone. Keep that goal in mind to feel more present, regardless if you’re at a holiday party or any other gathering during the year.

Enjoy Every Moment During the Holidays

There are always steps you can take to feel grounded during a gathering. Reflect on your specific stressors to find the most effective grounding techniques. With time and practise, you’ll remain in the moment no matter what’s happening around you.

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