Global Secrets to Serenity: Mastering Calm During the Holiday Rush
If holiday songs like 'Oh ho, the mistletoe' trigger thoughts of 'uh oh, the stress and woe,' it's time for a dose of calm this season. Stress and anxiety can overshadow festivities, but cultures worldwide offer proven ways to stay centered amid the chaos.
Lonely Planet's Calm: Secrets to Serenity from the Cultures of the World explores diverse global approaches to tranquility, packed with practical tips. In the spirit of the holidays, here are time-tested strategies from around the globe to reduce stress and restore peace.
1. Declutter, Organize, and Focus
Your surroundings shape your mindset. Create a serene space before diving into holiday tasks by embracing China's 4,000-year-old feng shui tradition. This 'art of placement' clears clutter to optimize the flow of chi—universal energy—for enhanced well-being.
French chefs swear by mise en place: prepping ingredients and tools in advance for seamless execution. Apply this at home—plan ahead, organize, and enjoy a smoother, less stressful experience.
In Bhutan, Buddhist archers hone focus by targeting one goal at a time, ignoring distractions. Tackle your holiday to-do list similarly: prioritize one task, eliminate interruptions, and celebrate small wins, like wrapping a single gift.
Bhutan's archers exemplify focus and calm. Image by Peter Adams / Getty Images.
2. Embrace Exercise
For Mexico's indigenous Tarahumara in the Sierra Madre, long-distance running is a joyful daily ritual for errands and connection—not a grueling workout. Incorporate movement into your routine for endorphin boosts and stress relief, making it enjoyable rather than obligatory.
During exercise, draw from Japan's kaihogyo: intense training paired with breath-focused meditation to clear the mind and foster inner peace.
Alternatively, join Lebanon's lively dabke folk dance—link arms, stomp in a line, and let the rhythm melt away tension. Dancing universally elevates mood and restores calm.
Tarahumara woman running in Mexico's Copper Canyon. Image by Ryan Heffernan / Getty Images.
3. Seek the Power of Touch
Touch soothes universally. Greeks fidget with kombolói worry beads to stay present. In Botswana, Namibia, and Angola's Kalahari, !Kung San mothers carry babies constantly for the calming bond of contact. Hawaii's ancient lomi lomi massage harmonizes body and spirit, releasing physical and mental knots.
Massage melts away holiday stress. Image by OJO Images / Getty Images.
4. Savor a Ritual Drink
Opt for mindful indulgence over excess. In Polynesia, the kava ceremony fosters unity through shared bowls, honoring connections. Recreate this at gatherings with a simple toast to friends and family.
Or embrace Britain's 200-year tea tradition: brew mindfully for a 30-minute warm respite, letting caffeine gently recharge you.
Fijian men prepare a traditional kava ceremony. Image by Michele Westmorland / Getty Images.
Happy holidays!
Emily K. Wolman is Lonely Planet's editor-at-large. When not regretting overpacking, she lives in Oakland, California.
