Living mindfully does not always come easily. In today’s busy work and home environments we move at lightspeed throughout our schedules. Our lives are jam packed with appointments, deadlines, family and friends, and stress. Sometimes, especially during the holidays, we start to feel burnout, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense that we just aren’t doing enough. It’s time to stop the madness! This is a season where we should be slowing down to realize what is truly important and taking time for ourselves. Seem impossible? Check out my top tips for instilling a sense of calm and gratitude into your life. Be more joyful in 5 easy steps:

1.) BREATHE

I know it sounds easy, but when do you actually pay attention to what is going on in your own body. Find a space where you can be calm; a dimly lit room, a walk outside, or maybe just your eyes closed with music on. Take time to slowly inhale through your nose and release slllooooowwwllly again through your mouth. Repeat. Allow yourself to feel where you are tense and release those muscles.

2) THINK ABOUT YOUR THOUGHTS

Sounds strange, I know. But understanding your thought processes can help you to realize when you get into negative patterns of thinking. Are you putting yourself down for not getting to everything on your list? Are you beating yourself up over that extra sugar cookie? Are you anxious about the holidays instead of excited? Identifying where your stress is in your mind can help you deal with it in real time.

3) PRACTICE MINIMALISM

If your desk, home, or car is a mess it can be hard to slow down and feel like you are organized and ready for what life has to throw at you. Carve out some time to tidy your areas and you will start to feel more peaceful during your day. Same goes for possessions, if they are cluttering your space and you haven’t used them in the last couple of months, it is probably time to let them go.

4) JUST SAY NO

Hey, you do a lot! You spend time on your friends and family. You volunteer your time and energy. You make other people feel special and loved. But just like the old saying goes; “You can’t pour from an empty glass.” It’s a good time of year to take inventory on where you are spending your efforts and consolidate, delegate, or just plain say no!

5) COUNT 'EM

Your blessings! It’s something we have been taught since childhood but, let me tell you, it works wonders for instilling joy back into your routine. This is an excellent activity to share with family and friends too. Remember that you are not the only one who is probably feeling the pressure this time of year. Take time to look around you and see all that you have.