The Gift of Wellness and Good Health over the Christmas & New Year Period

How to manage anxiety, grief and mental health during this season

Are you feeling anxious, depressed or alone during this Christmas period? Social media is full of images of the perfect Christmas and this can be really overwhelming to all of us especially if we are experiencing difficulties or feeling isolated. Many of us get caught up in the pressures to socialise, expectations may become overly high and we may fall into the trap of comparison and competition with those around us. This can all lead to us feeling more hopeless and sad, despondent and withdrawn.

However, within every individual heart lies the power to overcome some of the the most difficult moments in our lives when we choose to cultivate self compassion and positive energy and intention.

When you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, low energy, increased sadness, feeling hopeless or in deep grief, take a moment to find a quiet space, close your eyes and inhale. Exhale for as long as you can and repeat this several times. notice your heart beat is beginning to slow.

Observe your thoughts now, with no attachment, allow these thoughts to drift up into a cloud above you. Imagine, sense or feel this cloud absorbing all the thoughts. You may imaging this cloud becoming heavier. Take as long as you need to witness this process. Remember, you are not your thoughts. They do not define you.

In your own time when the cloud is full, you may let it pass on by, floating away with your unwanted thoughts. Now see, feel, imaging, sense a beautiful bright sunlight shining right down upon you. Re-igniting your Light within you. Notice how much lighter you feel. Notice any areas in your body where you feel lighter.

Choose this moment to be a channel for this Light to flow through you. This Light is a Light of Gratitude, Peace and Grace.

Perhaps you may feel a simple but powerful feeling of Gratitude for something or someone in your life.

Feel the gift of life pulsing through your veins – Feel the gift of life – feel the earth supporting you – you are always free to choose – let yourself be nurtured – let yourself be thankful.

These words and inspirations come from Richard Rohr at The CAC and the daily mediations they provide.

I hope you may comfort in this simple yet powerful mediation during this season.