body • mind • spirit Balancing the Holiday Season
by Laura Love, Wellness Educator & Creative Director I
t’s that time of year again… good cheer and gift giving, quality time family and friends, and all of the joy that comes with the holiday season. A very special time of year indeed, but for many of us, the holidays leave us feeling overwhelmed, over-stressed, and exhausted. All of those parties? Endless errands that need to get done before Christmas Day? In-laws in
town? I don’t know about you, but for me, as far as staying balanced is concerned, the holidays
have proven to be challenging in years past. Here are some tips I’ve learned that have helped me manage the impending stress and strains and that keep me feeling like myself during the fun- filled but oh so hectic holiday season.
Stay Balanced by Committing to Your Yoga Practice I know this sounds challenging and it’s not like you don’t already have enough to do and
now I’m asking you to go to yoga everyday, too?? Well, for me, this has been a lifesaver. Not that you have to go everyday but the idea is… pencil yourself in! Personally, my yoga practice keeps me grounded, relaxed, and balanced. That the physical practice is beneficial to my health makes it a not to be missed component of each day. And, what better time to commit to a routine prac- tice? If you allow it, the holidays can be copiously rife with negative excess. But, conversely, done right, this can be the ideal time to introduce new, productive habits that will help buoy you through this hectic season and beyond.
Don’t Overextend This is key. Sure, you’ve been invited to a million holiday parties - I remember one year I ac-
tually attended three holiday parties in the same night - But come on - who’s really benefiting here? You become so drained and exhausted and worried about getting to the next party, one of the more beautiful benefits of these get-togethers, connecting with others in a meaningful way - is simply missed. So, my advice - carefully choose what you say “yes” to this season. You don’t have to do it all. Sometimes… many times in fact… less is more, and that is ultimately more ful- filling.
Limit Your Sugar Intake Sugar can wreak havoc on your adrenals, causing you to feel really drained and low on energy.
I’m not saying skip all the holiday sweets… I mean come on - it’s Christmas! But choose your treats wisely realizing that those sugar cookies might be great in that moment but could leave you feeling like a baked potato later on.
Do I really Need to Buy All These Gifts? This has been a game-changer for me. Years ago when my children were little and Santa was
still on the scene, I would run myself ragged trying to get the best gifts, get it all wrapped, dec- orate the house, send out the perfect Christmas card to 100 people I really didn’t know all that well, etc. You know what I mean. But in the last five years I’ve really simplified…like, big time. I no longer buy a million gifts - I just don’t. My children each receive two - three thoughtful presents. My husband and I simply write each other a sweet card. Then, I pick one gift item that I really like for everyone else and just buy as many as I need. The gift item is always from a com- pany I want to support. One year I bought two cases of wine from a family-owned organic winery. Everyone (other
than my kids) got this gift. It was easy and gratifying - I believed in the vision of the winemakers and so I felt good about the purchase. The end, period. It doesn’t have to get crazy, folks, if you don’t let it.
Meditate on Gratitude A holiday gratitude practice. Yep. This might be the most important tip I give you. Take
five minutes every day, right when you wake up, to sit quietly. Set the timer (I know your phone is sitting right there on the nightstand) and go - begin to focus upon your breath, begin to become present, then ask yourself: “What am I grateful for this holiday season?” As the many blessings of family, friends, resources, health, opportunity and so much more
come to mind… you can’t help but have a great day. And if you’re starting your day like this every single morning…. You might just have the best holiday season yet!
- Namaste. Take a class, take a breath, take a break. Learn more about finding your balance through yoga and meditation. 52 SANCLEMENTEJOURNAL
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