The run-up to Christmas is a time that, for many of us, becomes a source of tension and stress.

You can support yourself during this demanding and intense time by applying one of the MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES – S.T.O.P.

The S.T.O.P. technique allows you to connect with yourself, enabling you to take action – consciously, in alignment with your needs and values. Thanks to the S.T.O.P. technique, you can answer the question: What will be good for me, and what will nurture the needs of my mind, spirit, and body?

At each stage, you can draw upon different COLOUR ENERGIES :)

S – STOP – pause for a moment and interrupt whatever you are doing right now. You can draw upon the resources of RED ENERGY for this – focus on the goal of stopping 'here and now'. Be firm and decisive in this. This is a moment just for you.

T – TAKE A BREATH – take a conscious breath. Notice how the breath enters your body, fills your lungs, and flows back out. Tap into your GREEN ENERGY – take a natural breath, just what your body needs right now. This will help you settle, calm down, and simply 'catch your breath' :)

O – OBSERVE – observe what you are experiencing right now, directing your attention to bodily sensations, your emotions, thoughts, and the sounds reaching you from outside. Make use of BLUE ENERGY – observe, change nothing, let everything be just as it is. You are simply an observer here.

P – PROCEED – continue what you are doing in a way that supports you. Tap into your reserves of YELLOW ENERGY – move into action and activities that bring you more energy, enthusiasm, and positive emotions. Simply enjoy the moment :)

Your pause can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Give yourself as much time as you currently can or need.

Such a brief pause is often like a refreshing shower, a lazy Sunday stroll, or a crisp glass of lemonade :) Giving yourself this space will bring you renewed energy, freshness, and inspiration.

Best of luck, and may the run-up to Christmas be just as good, rewarding, and enjoyable for you as Christmas itself :)

Mindfulness practice positively affects our creativity and cognitive processes, allowing us to tap into our inner resources and potential. Mindfulness is, among other things, a collection of tools and techniques that help us connect with ourselves, enabling us to make decisions and take action in alignment with our true needs. And we all simply want to be happy :)