Tips for a Mindfulness Independence Day
Independence Day, or The 4th of July can be quite a bit of excitement. There’s the thrill of being outside, swimming, grilling, eating, and best of all the end the day, fireworks. This can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of sensory overloads.
The 4th of July is a great day for celebrations, but with the festivities, it’s also an excellent time to practice mindfulness.
Start with Gratitude
Take a moment before the start of the day to reflect on the opportunities you have! These can be simple things, like gratitude for grilling your food later, the fireworks, seeing friends, going swimming, or whatever you’re grateful for! Appreciate the time spent with loved ones, friends, and the community you are a part of.
Be Present
During celebrations, it’s easy to be distracted, or to get caught up in all the excitement. Make an effort to be present. Take a moment to breathe, take in the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding you. Make sure to engage in conversations around you, and connect with others that you may not have the opportunity to usually connect with.
Practice Moderation
We all know during the holidays, we tend to overstuff ourselves with delicious foods and drinks. Make sure this holiday to practice moderation, especially with drinking! If you are drinking alcoholic beverages make sure to drink plenty of water (and even if you are not, still drink water, hydration is key!) Enjoy the special treats and savor each bite or sip!
Mindful Listening
While fireworks are exciting, and beautiful to look at, they can also be quite loud. If you or someone you know is sensitive to loud noises, we suggest brining earplugs or use noise cancelling headphones. This ensures that your loved one (or yourself) can still enjoy the fireworks, without all the loud noises.
Also, be mindful and aware that fireworks are loud noises, and be respectful to those around you who might be triggered by them such as veterans, and others with PTSD. If you see someone struggling, practice respect, and consideration, or offer a hand with headphones, or, just going into a quiet area for a bit.
Mindful Breathing
As with any holiday there can be a lot of stressors during the 4th of July. This might vary from getting food prepped, to making sure you’re on time for the firework display, or even just being around family and friends in general. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or anxious during the festivities, take a few deep breaths. This can really help calm your nervous system, and bring you back to the present.
Reflect on Independence and Freedom
Independence Day or the 4th of July is about more than just fireworks. And while the fireworks, barbecues, and family are fun, take some times to reflect. Reflect on the significance of the day and what independence and freedom means to you personally.
Self-Care and Boundaries
Know your limits! You know how much your are capable of holding, and if you need to take a break, or leave early, that’s okay! Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is important, and is what is best!
Counseling in Missouri
At Aspire Counseling our therapists know how difficult the holidays can be. If you notice that you are struggling, or needing some additional support, please reach out to us. We offer counseling in person at our Lee’s Summit MO location, or our Columbia MO location, and can see anyone virtually within the state of Missouri. We work with teens, and adults of all ages experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, Disordered Eating, Stress, and so much more. If you have been struggling to take that jump into therapy, reach out to us, we would love to be your support, and help you with your mental health journey.