Key points

People high in neuroticism feel stress more intensely, making December’s pace especially overwhelming.

The season's pressure can trigger rumination and future-focused worry.

Mindfulness doesn’t require meditation; simple grounding skills can pull you out of mental time-travel.

You’re watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, and you think to yourself, “I can’t believe the holidays are over already; I didn’t even have a chance to sit down and enjoy them.” Sound familiar?

For most of us, December can feel like a whirlwind. Staying present and enjoying the moment is especially difficult if you’re someone who feels things deeply or gets easily pulled into over-analyzing the past or worrying about the future.

Practicing mindfulness is a way to combat the constant mental pull

See Full Page