Navigating the Holiday Hustle
Who’s ready for the holiday madness? Too late because it’s already begun! As the holiday season sweeps in, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of festivities, crazy shift schedule, travel plans, and a never-ending to-do list. Today, I want to share a little story that reminded me of the importance of slowing down amidst the chaos.
Just Breathe
So, picture this: The holiday rush was in full swing, and I found myself knee-deep in preparations for an event I helping host. Stickers, goody bags, information pamphlets—the whole deal. But, my printer decided to join the holiday chaos and threw a wrench in my plans, turning what should’ve been a quick task into a nearly seven hour task!
In the midst of my printer-induced frenzy, my husband strolled over, looked at my overwhelmed state, and handed me my print out that read, “Just Breathe.” “Take your own advice,” he chuckled. Irony at its finest, right? He had a point.
In our crazy lives, especially during the holiday hustle, it’s easy to get so entangled in the chaos that the end seems nowhere in sight. But here’s the truth—we know deep down that it’s never really the case. No matter what challenges today throws your way, remember to take a moment, just breathe through it.
You see, the “Just Breathe” print-out became more than just a print-out in that moment—it became a gentle reminder to pause, recalibrate, and find a moment of calm. It’s amazing how something as simple as a breath can be a game-changer. My husband’s advice wasn’t just practical; it was a loving nudge to step back, take a breath, and gain perspective.
And that’s the beauty of it. In the holiday rush or any chaos life throws at us, the power of a single breath can ground us, reminding us that we have the strength to navigate through it all.
So, as we dive headfirst into the holiday hustle, let’s carry this reminder with us. Just breathe. In the midst of the chaos, find your moment of peace. Until next time, take care of yourself.
Explore the different mindful breathing techniques to help you discover tranquility in the midst of chaos.
Here are 3 Mindful Breathing Techniques to invite peace amidst the chaos:
Mindful Observation:
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and simply observe your breath. Notice the sensation as you inhale and exhale. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath. It’s a powerful way to anchor yourself in the present moment.
Box Breathing:
Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale audibly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this cycle a few times, and you’ll feel the tension easing away.
4-7-8 Technique:
The 4-7-8 method involves inhaling for a count of four, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight—a powerful tool to regain composure.
Fletcher, Jenna. “4-7-8 Breathing: How It Works, Benefits, and Uses.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 12 Feb. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417#:~:text=The%204%2D7%2D8%20breathing.
saranchock, chris . “Mindful Breathing Meditation - HelpGuide.org.” Https://Www.helpguide.org, 12 Mar. 2020, www.helpguide.org/meditations/mindful-breathing-meditation.htm.
Thanks I have recently been looking for info about this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far However what in regards to the bottom line Are you certain in regards to the supply
Hi Kaley, glad you enjoyed the article! Are you referring to the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique? This method “involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This breathing pattern aims to reduce anxiety or help people get to sleep. It is a form of pranayama, which is the practice of breath regulation.” Feel free to check out this article to learn more about the 4-7-8 technique, as well as the citation at the bottom of the article: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417