Dec. 23: Early Dismissal

Dec. 24-Jan. 2 : School Closed

Jan. 5: School Reopens from Winter Recess

Jan. 8: High School Open House 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

To help make the most of your festivities this holiday, Neda Gould, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and director of the Johns Hopkins Mindfulness Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares some mindful tips. She explains what mindfulness is….”bringing your attention to the present moment with an element of nonjudgment and acceptance. It is noticing when we get caught up in thoughts about the past or the future, and returning our attention to the present-the only reality.” While mindfulness can be a formal meditation practice, there are lots of ways to practice this skill. This can reduce stress by altering our perspective. Gould shares three ways to make your holidays brighter:

1. Accept Imperfection-can good be good enough? We tend to set the bar impossibly high for ourselves and then feel upset when our celebrations don’t live up to our expectations. You can say to yourself, “Imperfection is healthy and normal.”

2. Don’t Lose Sight of What Really Counts-when overwhelmed by traffic and long lines ask yourself: Where does this fit in the grand scheme of things? When frustrated by a long line at a store, remember it’s just a long line, nothing more. Don’t let it spoil your day. As a bonus, as the cashier rings up the people in front of you, take inventory of the good things that have happened today or the things you are grateful for. Connect with someone in line with a compliment or kind gesture or notice what’s around you with curious eyes.

3. Respond with Kindness-you can’t change how others act during the stresses of the holiday season, but you can control how you respond to situations:

Gould writes, “Whenever I encounter a difficult person, I tell myself, this person is suffering, and that’s why they’re acting this way. It softens my frustration, helps me be more compassionate and reminds me that it’s not personal.”

Keep in mind that the holidays are especially difficult for those who are alone. See if you can extend an act of kindness to those you know are without family or friends during this time of year.

1. Don’t let other people determine what you “should” or “shouldn’t” do.

2. Accept limitations. Doing things differently, even if that means less is ok.

3. Celebrate different feelings and preferences.

4. Be informed before attending events. Knowing what to expect can be helpful.

5. Ask for help, even when it’s hard to do. People are eager to help.

6. Take care of your physical body. Try to schedule downtime and rest.

While none of these are revolutionary, sometimes we just need reminders whether for ourselves or someone else.