Let's chat about grounding techniques, well because the holidays are right here and now. We are working with an end of year push to meet our work and personal life goals and on top of it all we are being prodded to come up with New Years resolutions.

These aren't just any run-of-the-mill strategies – they're your go-to tools to reroute those overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Think of them as your personal anchors, keeping you firmly rooted in the present and helping you navigate through those stress-packed moments with ease.

I absolutely understand that winter months can make it challenging to get outdoors! HELLO, ILLINOIS LIFE HERE! I'm sharing five of my ten unique and valuable grounding techniques I use inside Project YOU mastermind to help you cope with the stress of family, friends, employees, co-workers, and the pressure of the perfect holiday season:

Sensory Reset in the Comfort of Your Home: Create a cozy space with elements that engage your senses. Light a scented candle, play soothing music, or wrap yourself in a soft blanket. Immerse yourself in textures, scents, and sounds that bring comfort. This mini sanctuary will act as your personal retreat, allowing you to reset amidst the holiday chaos. I have built out an entire spotify playlist for when I need to do a sensory reset. Within my mastermind I share this playlist and use them for the audio portion of the guided meditations.

Mindful Breathing Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day for mindful breathing exercises. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Inhale slowly, hold for a moment, and exhale. This simple yet powerful technique can be done discreetly, providing a quick reset for your mind and body, helping you stay grounded amid holiday pressures. If I am truly struggiling to calm my mind beyond breathwork, I will even recite the following mantra quietly, "where am I at, what am I doing".

Expressive Art Therapy: Channel your emotions through creative expression. Whether it's drawing, painting, or crafting, engaging in art can be a therapeutic outlet. No need to be an artist – the goal is to release emotions and express yourself. Consider creating a holiday-themed project that allows you to unwind and tap into your creative side, providing a welcomed break from the seasonal pressures. If you ever visit me in my office I have a magnetic bulletin board that I can easily switch items out depending on my moods.

Mindful Hot Beverage Rituals: This is my persoanl favorite and have practiced this 20 years and running. Embrace the warmth from within! Create a mindful ritual around your favorite hot beverage – whether it's a soothing tea, rich cocoa, or a comforting coffee. Engage all your senses in the process, from the aroma of brewing to the warmth of the cup in your hands. Let it be a moment of sensory focus, allowing you to step back from stress and savor the present.

Mindful Moment Jars: Prepare mindful moment jars filled with small, meaningful items. Each item should represent a positive memory, goal, or affirmation. When stress hits, take a few minutes to pick an item from the jar, reflect on its significance, and let it guide you back to a centered state of mind. It's a tangible way to reconnect with positive thoughts. Once upon a time humans would create a treasure chest. This is more powerful and practical as it's built around intentions and simplicity.

Remember, there is no such thing as the perfect holiday season, it is about finding joy in the small moments and taking care of yourself amidst the chaos. These grounding techniques aim to provide that much-needed balance, even when winter keeps you indoors. Embrace the warmth of these practices and let them guide you through the season with a sense of calm and resilience.

Give them a try and let me know how they work for YOU!!