Festive Floral Mindfulness

Christmas lights flash down every street, home and shop, a heavy scent of pine and spices clings to the air, hanging around in the dry warmth fuelled by the central heating. People to meet to swap gifts, check in on and an endless to do list of grocery shopping, wrapping presents and that work deadline to meet!

No wonder it feels like there is not enough air to breathe, let alone hours in the day to be Christmas ready. The inner turmoil is already in overdrive thinking it does not stop on the big day, the striving for the ‘perfect’ Christmas. You know the one you have been dreaming about since last year when the Turkey got burnt and you promised yourself this year you WILL do better, alongside the collective ‘THEM’ putting out their Christmas spectaculars on social media, to further drive home the stress.

So how can we grab some much-needed headspace, to pause the ever-tidal sea that is our thoughts? By using flowers and nature for a couple of minutes in a grounding/mindfulness exercise connects us to the present moment, the Here and Now, rather than the past or future stresses and demands providing a distraction. Removing us from the running thoughts and focusing on the senses at that present moment.

What use will that do when you are already frazzled, I hear you ask?

It is about taking a break from all those feelings bubbling away for a moment, coping with them, and returning the body and mind back to the now. The benefits on our bodies include reducing stress, inflammation and can improve blood flow, all aiding to come out from the fight or flight response fuelling our distress.

Let me tell you how?

Search your home, garden or the great outdoors and select something natural that in that moment draws you in. It may simply be a piece of pine from the Christmas tree, that’s scent enticed you in or a holly leaf whose spikey texture intrigued you to touch.

Sit with your chosen piece of nature for a couple of minutes, the length of time is not important. With the item in your hand take a deep breathe in for 3, hold for 4 and breathe out for 4.

Hopefully, you are now sat comfortably, our minds may wonder however try to focus only on your item. Think about your senses: How does it smell? Sweet, spicey? How does it feel? Is it rough, smooth? Does it have a sound? The snap of a stem when it is twisted.

How did it feel to switch off, hit the pause button for a couple of moments? Has the tension released?

These little nature moments will not make big feelings permanently go away however it gives us a tool to manage them for our physical and psychological health. It requires no designated equipment or place you must go, making it accessible to all, anywhere, anytime.

Go ahead find some nature to pause with,

Kel x 🐘

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References

Tull, M. (2019, 11 11). Grounding techniques for post traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com: https://www.verywellmind.com/grounding-techniques-for-ptsd-2797300