This Diwali, let there be light and let that light ignite within you!
The festive season is just a few days away and all we want is to celebrate the good times with our families and loved ones. Ho
wever, the pre-festive preparations can get overwhelming for many of us and one simple way to feel the festive vibes with a whole new experience is to be mindful about your indulgences.
Wondering how we do this? Here are 8 ways you can be mindful, while celebrating your favourite festival.
1. Balancing the Cleaning with Calmness
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” It is believed that Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is said to bestow her blessings on people who keep their homes tidy. To prepare for Diwali and welcome the goddess, households also engage in extensive cleaning. So, before you go on a cleaning binge with vigour, make sure you take some time for rest in between and create space for a calm environment in your homes. Let the extensive cleaning not drain your festive spirits down.
2. Illuminating the Outer and Inner Light
Diwali is all about getting decked up for the big celebration - with colours, lights, innovative decorations, extravagant rangolis and lots of delicacies and sweet treats. While you illuminate the pretty lanterns and diyas in your homes, pause a little and focus towards your inner desires and passions and think about fulfilling at least one of those during this period of time. It can be as simple as catching up with a friend for a coffee or a spa or booking the tickets for a long-awaited trip with your loved ones or solo. Don’t think much, just do it. Trust me, your inner light would shine brighter than the diyas you put up.
3. Taking time out for family, yourself and friends
Diwali is all about gatherings with family, friends and cute little kids running around the house in their new clothes. Instead of making everything perfect, embrace the imperfections and let it flow. Hosting Diwali parties and attending them can get way too tiring over the period of these festive days. How about keeping it simple and going impromptu. Plan a potluck, play some bonding games with your family, organise a kids activity, indulge in old memories by looking at the slideshow of photographs and go back to the good times you have cherished and make memories of the present moments. Afterall, quality time is all we need.
4. Indulging Guilt-free and Gifting Responsibly
We all have a particular place in our hearts for Diwali, but try not to let it undo all your hard work throughout the year by overindulging. Replace sugary and unhealthy treats with Happy Shots. They are not only nutrient-dense but also satisfying and sugar-free. As a result, you won't consume more. Be careful when it comes to distinguishing between emotional eating and your body's needs for hunger and satiety. When you're out, eat in moderation. Similar to this, use the same strategy while giving gifts to your loved ones. Consider thoughtful gift ideas that are sustainable, such as designer jewellery made of clay, gardening hampers, plants, upcycled home décor items, and much more.
5. Reflect on Self and Reconnect with Spirituality
Accumulating spiritual treasure and reflecting on and assessing our thoughts, words, and acts are lovely ways to inwardly turn and enjoy your inner light. It's time to embrace yourself, let go of your preconceptions and harmful behaviours, and start your road toward self-transformation. Recognize your blessings and express thanks for them by giving to the less fortunate. Prepare for a year filled with a revitalised feeling of enthusiasm and purpose. Make a list of the inner traits that make you shine less and what you can do to develop some of the positive traits you possess to help you overcome the flaws. Don't forget to meditate and let joy, light, and love fill your heart.
6. Keeping a track of routines, habits and health
It's difficult to stick to a pattern, and when things change, we all have a tendency to lose our way. With visitors, decorations, get-togethers, gatherings, kids being home, travel arrangements, and so much more, the holiday season may often keep you too busy. However, keeping track of your routine tasks will help you regain your motivation and stamina to deal with the pandemonium. You may keep a healthy balance by exercising frequently, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, planning "me time," and engaging in your passions.
7. Exploring your Creative Side
Diwali is all about colour, vibrancy, and spectacular décor, so while the kids are at home, you can take advantage of the opportunity to prepare a variety of activities to keep them engaged, deepen your relationship, and encourage them to use their imaginations and be creative. Make unusual snacks, upcycle an old trunk or cabinet by painting it, create rangoli with flowers, paint a wall rather than hiring a professional painter, make DIY diyas and décor items with your kids, and so much more. A creative list can never be completed.
8. Bring in the Balance with a Post Festive Detox
It is said, ”Success always comes when we are ready for it” and our gut knows it. While the festive season can take a toll on your body and mind, you can always think long-term and bring your routines, diet and energy back to balance with a positive approach.
Plan out a detox, it can be a diet or digital detox, cleanse your body and regain the vitality you deserve. Move towards the motivation to start the New Years with the best version of you instead of taking a resolution and holding back for another two months. Don’t give up, only add goodness to your lives in the form of fresh air, leafy greens, seasonal fruits and lots of water. Plan ahead, get rid of the junk and start creating a meal plan of the foods you enjoy and are healthy for your gut too. Remember, it starts from you and the right time to start is NOW!
Hope this helped you to boost your Diwali prep journey!
