The Mark Divine BLOG-Make the Holidays More Enjoyable

It is hard to believe we are heading into the winter holiday season (Thanksgiving, Hannukah, and Christmas) already. Those of us in the U.S. (and most who read this BLOG are) have been distracted by an intensely negative election season, which has put a damper on the mood of the country. But the holiday season is meant to be positive and uplifting, so it is time to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and get on with things. Thanksgiving can provide that re-boot, get us re-focused on being positive and back in control. We must be the change we want to see in the world – and that change happens by taking charge of the things you can control while letting go of the things you can’t.

What exactly can you control?

Not what happens when the new President takes office. Not what happens at work today. Not whether you will be in an accident on the road, nor what your kids or spouse are going to think and do tonight. In fact, there are only a few things you can actually control.

The first thing you can control is your breath. Slow down and extend the duration of your inhale and exhale. As you practice this using our Box Breathing method, you begin to take control over the second thing, which is your physiology.

For most folks, the physiological response to stress is out of their control. But when you learn the secret of breath control, then suddenly you regain control over stress in your life. Now, if you can control your stress response, then you can begin to take control over your thoughts. And, if you can control your thoughts, then you can control your emotions. That’s right, basically, you can’t control a single thing outside of you, but you can control a whole lot that is going on inside! That is how you can take back control over your life, re-focus on the positive again for the holidays.

So, just start with controlling the breath. Spend 5 minutes box breathing in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before bed. You will be amazed at how this simple practice transforms your life, making your more focused, calm and aware. Your teammates, family and everyone you engage with will be positively impacted during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

–Mark Divine