St. Joseph’s/Candler Bē Health and Well-Being® navigator encourages you to be mindful as we approach the holidays

The holiday season brings joy, celebrations and opportunities to connect with loved ones – but it can also bring added stress.

This year, we invite you to embrace simple mindfulness practices that help keep your body calm, your mind grounded and your heart open to what truly matters.

In order to do so, we asked our Bē Health and Well-Being® Navigator and Certified Health and Wellness Coach Sarah Hanson to offer some helpful tips for holiday mindfulness.

Tips for staying mindful over the holidays:

1. Pause for one minute: Take a slow deep breath whenever you transition between activities such as before a meal, arriving home or stepping into a gathering. A single mindful minute helps reset the nervous system and improves your mood, Hanson says.
2. Savor the small minutes: Notice the warmth of a mug, the sparkle of a light, the sound of laughter. Allow yourself to embrace these innocent moments of joy.
3. Set gentle boundaries: It’s OK to say “no thanks” to anything that feels overwhelming. Protecting your time and energy allows you to truly enjoy the things that matter the most.

Ways to reduce some of your holiday stress:

1. Keep routines intact: Stick to regular sleep, meals and short movement breaks whenever possible. Even a 10-minute walk can make a big difference, Hanson says.
2. Plan simple, not perfect: Choose easy traditions, easy meals and easy gatherings. Most people understand that no one is perfect, especially this time of the year.
3. Share responsibilities: Invite family members to help with shopping, cooking or hosting tasks. Connection grows when we work together, says Hanson.

Maintain healthy, fun habits:

• Healthy swaps: Enjoy your favorite treats while balancing with water, fruits, veggies and mindful portions.
• Movement moments: Turn music on and enjoy five to 10 minutes of stretching or dancing.
• Connection first: Make space for meaningful conversation, games or shared gratitude.

“This time of the year isn’t about rushing – it’s about savoring,” Hanson says. “When we slow down, breathe deeply and stay present, we can enjoy family, friends and traditions with far less stress and far more joy.”