Bringing more mindfulness and self-awareness to our thoughts and actions is especially important during the holiday season. Amidst the onset of cold weather, we are dealing with the stress of holiday shopping and gift preparation, strenuous travel schedules, dangerous driving conditions, and more frequent illness and "winter blues." Here are a few simple tricks to maintain a sense of calm and collectedness during this oftentimes gloomy season:

1. Limit Caffeine. Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages can artificially boost stress hormones, thereby compounding the effects of real, everyday stress. Opt instead for a decaffeinated chai latte, hot chocolate, cider or herbal tea.
2. Meditate. Here is a simple meditation exercise to encourage gratitude and thankfulness in your busy life:

Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and begin to focus on your breath. Take deep, full inhales and deep, full exhales. Call to mind all of the things in and aspects of your life that you are grateful for: Your home, perhaps, your friends and family, your holiday feast... Take one complete breath for each of these elements or objects. Now, call to mind all of the material possessions you are blessed to have: Your clean clothes, your cell phone, your innovative new massage gadget. Next, focus on the people you are grateful to share your life with: Your parents, siblings, children, teachers, and friends. Finally, think of all of the special travels and experiences you have undertaken or been a part of. In which ways did each new place or experience make you feel happy? Sit quietly and meditate on your calm and appreciative feelings. Take a few closing, cleansing breaths; remain grateful and happy.

3. Celebrate. During the holiday rush, we are often so caught up in cooking, driving, decorating, eating, and coping with family drama that we do not take the time to focus on the best aspect of the holiday season: Simply spending time with loved ones and celebrating each other in a cozy environment. The next instant that you feel holiday stress bubbling up, take a few deep breaths and try to focus on the feeling of your hands on the steering wheel, the sweet, scrumptious flavors of grandma's pumpkin pie or the warm, appreciative love in your heart.

Sources:

"Caffeine drives up stress levels." BBC News. 4 Mar. 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/290689.stm Accessed 26 Nov. 2012.

Viegas, Marnita. "Gratitute Meditation." Relax Kids. 22 Dec. 2011. http://www.relaxkids.com/tips/entry/Gratitude_Meditation/250 Accessed 26 Nov. 2012.