For so many of us, the holiday season can activate a wide-range of emotions, including anxiety, overwhelm and grief. It can be helpful to turn to grounding strategies to support our nervous system with regulation and balance. Below you will find a few supportive ways to connect to the present moment and cultivate an inner-sense of calm:

Go for a mindful walk, allowing your senses to tap into the environment around you. Pay close attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground with each step you take.
Connect with your breath in your body through breathwork. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth, letting out a sigh with each exhale.
Tap into your senses with the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Start by noticing and noting 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you touch, 2 things you smell and 1 thing you taste.
Explore a body scan practice by slowly bringing awareness to the sensations you notice in your body, starting with your feet.
Change the temperature. Cold water activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you calm quickly. Splash your face or wash you hands with cold water.

Another easy way to intentionally regulate is to identify activities that help you stay in the present moment. This could be as simple as taking a shower, baking, or engaging in a movement-based activity. Give yourself permission to slow down when you need to, name your feelings and build in opportunities to fully engage in regulating activities.