While the holidays are a beautiful time for celebration, we recognize that they can also be a hard time for a lot of people. Between the stresses of holding a holiday event schedule, meeting up with family you might not often see, and feeling the absence of family and friends who may have passed, even though it’s a joyous time, it’s a complicated time.
The challenge of the holidays can leave you feeling caught up in the whirlwind of it all. You can find yourself missing the meaning of the season just because you’re being pulled every which way. Whenever our heads are in the clouds with to-do lists and challenging seasons, the best thing for us is to come back to our senses. A sensory experience does so much to bring you back into the present moment, which is where, of course, the answers and the comfort lies. Whenever possible, getting back to the present moment this season can help you find your way through the hustle and bustle of the season. So as we dive into the holiday season, we wanted to bring you six tips to keep calm, bring you back to your senses, back into the present moment, and back to your feeling of groundedness.
The most powerful sensory experience is smell, so it goes to reason that to bring a sense of calm to your inner life you should surround yourself with the smells that remind you of calm. One of our favorite scents to bring that slice of “om” to wherever you are is palo santo. Stop into our kimono store for much more than just kimono robes; we have bundes of palo santo to bring that earthy smell of calming nature right into your home. While you’re at it, pick up one of our PF Candles to fill your home during your holiday party. Stop in and find the right scent to keep you centered and grounded all season long.
One of the reasons we love this pink kimono robe is because it’s a little luxury that brings a big exhale to you every time you wear it. Letting the silk kimono robe drape over your shoulders, it’s almost impossible to tense up. A gentle material that feels like you’re wearing a cloud reminds you to slow down and breathe a little deeper. Another beautiful part of this pink kimono robe is its handpainted design. Let your mind drift as you gaze at the handcrafted design, feel the silk against your skin, and slow down your thoughts.
Sometimes, just getting out of the house (for something other than work) can be just the right medicine to bring you back to earth. When things start getting tense or frustrating, a simple walk around your block so your eyes can shift perspective can be enough to feel better. Not only is it good to move your body, but it keeps your eyes off your screen. Try to leave your phone at home, if you can! Letting your eyes take a break from the blue light of the computer and phone screen does so much for your ability to disconnect and refocus on what’s right in front of you. Slip on your favorite kimono cardigan and let the wonders of your neighborhood surprise you. Stay open to seeing something new, even if it’s a walk you’ve walked a million times. When you’re open to discovering something new, it usually appears!
Just a gentle shift in your home space can enliven your mentality. That’s because we stop seeing our homes every day when we’re so used to how they look, but when you change it up by adding a piece of art or rearranging the furniture, you can see your home as new. Finding a new piece of art can sometimes feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to feel that way! Many of your items might already double as pieces of art. That’s what we love about our handpainted silk kimono robes: each kimono pattern is handpainted and are just as beautiful hung up on your wall as they are worn. Every kimono pattern is first sketched by hand and takes seven days to create from start to finish. Choosing art with meaning doesn’t have to be difficult, just choose something that speaks to you and find out the story of craftsmanship behind it to elevate your everyday sights.
Sleep is an essential part of growth, maturation, and integration of all you experience throughout the day. And setting the stage for a good sleep by creating a nightly routine is a great way to reflect over the holidays and stay connected to your center. Whether you have a skincare routine, a meditation routine, a journaling routine, or something else, a routine is a great way to reflect and calm the mind so you can drift effortlessly into sleep. Slip on your flower kimono robe for an extra bit of intention behind whichever routine you choose and lull yourself into a deep rest.
Movement is inherent to all of us. Whether or not you are an athlete or a dancer, moving just feels good. Plus, getting your heart rate up, gets your blood circulating, and that helps you to feel more alive and connected to your physical body. When the stresses of the season crop up, choose a workout class, go for a run in your city, or simply go dancing in the streets in your kimono cardigan! Movement, no matter how simple, is one of the purest ways to get back to the present moment and feel calm during the rush of the holidays.
We hope these six tips on how to feel calm and grounded over the holiday season bring you a little extra comfort and joy. Even if you love the holidays, they can be an intense time as we wind down the year. We hope you find little moments throughout each and every day to feel the sweetness of the season and the peace of mind you deserve.
