For those in the US and in many places around the world, the holiday season is here! Yes, it’s so wonderful, but it can also be a lot.
There are so many opportunities for finding joy and connection, but sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming, so it’s important to find ways to relax.
Our senses are a great tool to help us let go of overthinking and worrying, and to achieve a state of calm and peace. Activities that engage in one or more of the five senses are often an effective means to reduce stress and reach a state of relaxation.
Below are some suggestions about how you can engage with your five different senses. Of course there are many more, but these are just to get you started. The ultimate goal is to experience a deep sense of relaxation after you engage in an exercise.
It would be ideal if you could begin to incorporate some of these activities in your week in an effort to head off the stress and to increase the peacefulness during the holiday season or, for that matter, any time of the year. But they’re also good for when those unexpected moments of stress or overwhelm come up.
Sense of Sight
Go on a nature walk and notice the beautify in the sky, the trees, the grass, the benches and the people. Take in all the details and colors.
Visit pinterest, we heart it, tumbler or any place on the internet and find soothing pictures to look at. It can be different cities, nature, or artistic images and pictures.
Go to a museum or a gallery and enjoy the visual art presented there.
Watch a movie that is famous for its beautiful cinematography. Ensure that they story line is easy to follow and something you will enjoy watching too.
Make a collage of pictures that you find pleasurable and soothing to look at, and look at them when needed
Sense of Hearing
Listen to saved voice mails from someone you love.
Listen to your favorite music that encourages you to relax.
Listen to soothing jazz, or instrumental live radio on YouTube. You may also enjoy calming cafe music.
Go to a park nearby and enjoy the liveliness of sounds around you (birds, wind, people chattering).
Listen to a meditation by someone whose voice sounds peaceful, calm and relaxing.
Take some time to sing aloud, play an instrument or vocal breathing meditation.
Listen to an audio book, a podcast or a TV show that you enjoy and see if it makes you feel more relaxed.
LIsten to the sound of children laughing, either in person or on Youtube videos
Sense of Smell
Wear your favorite perfume or cologne. Sit with the smell and take it all in.
Light up a scented candle or put on your defuser.
Cook a meal or bake some goodies that smell delicious to you.
Buy some flowers or indoor plants that you would enjoy smelling as you walk past.
Hug a person you love whose smell makes you feel warm and calm.
Go someplace where you enjoy the scent (Body shops, flower shop, restaurant, bakery)
Go for a walk in the woods or near water. Notice the nature smells
Sense of Taste
Cook your favorite meal, eat it slowly and savor its taste with every bite.
Visit your favorite place to eat and buy your favorite meal.
Get some snacks or comfort food (chocolate, ice cream, potato chips) and enjoy it (but don’t overdo it).
Make yourself a cup of coffee, tea, cocoa or anything else that you enjoy drinking (avoid alcohol).
Eat a fresh piece of fruit and enjoy its taste.
Chew gum or eat some sweets
Sense of Touch
Get a blanket you love to cuddle and wrap yourself in it or simply enjoy how it feels on your skin.
Pet your animal and hold it in your lap or close by.
Wear comfortable clothes and enjoy how it feels on the different areas of your skin.
Take a long shower or a bubble bath and enjoy the warm and soothing water. You can also take a cold shower if you find that more suitable.
Give yourself a massage or if you have time and funds, get a full body massage.
Touch something smooth, velvety or fluffy.
Take a few moments to wash the dishes and feel the warm soapy water on your hands.
Give (or get) a warm hug from someone you love
What else would you add?
Do you have a favorite way to use your senses to calm and be present? I think mine would have to be washing the dishes, as silly as that sounds. I love the feel of the warm water, the smell of the dish soap, and the view out my kitchen window of the flowers and birds in the yard – a perfectly calming combination!
Wherever you are in your journey, I’m glad you’re here! I look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you a wonderful and meaningful holiday season!
