The holiday season is upon us. School is out, the weekend is here…we’re in full holiday swing! How ya holding up? Stressed? Tired? Emotional? Likely all of the above, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We can make mindful choices to keep our emotional, physical and spiritual self in check. Here are a few ideas…..

  1. Keep it Real

 What do the holidays mean to you? Are you a pintrest gift giver or are you more laid back “just wanna hang with the fam” type of person? Are you on a budget or are you ready to splurge on that bonus check you just got? Do you!!!! It’s easy to get caught up in the societal and familial expectations of the holiday season. When we speak and give from our heart not only are we being true to ourselves, we are teaching others how to do the same. One of my favorite holiday quotes offers some reassurance in this area…”If you think you’re enlightened, go spend a week with your family” -Ram Dass

2. Keep it Moving

Whether you’re at home or traveling for the holidays, keep it moving! During the holiday season many of us enjoy a welcomed break from work which also means a break from our daily routine, it’s easy to become sedentary during this time. Try to get off the couch, get out of the house, go for a walk or run, take a yoga class, get creative. When we become too sluggish our energy becomes stagnant, our digestion slows, our thoughts become rigid which can lead to feeling stuck. Keep the energy flowing! Use your imagination, you might even have some fun!

3. Keep it Loving

I’m talking self-love here. We focus a lot on giving during the holidays which can be a form of self-love but don’t get lost in giving that you forget how to listen to your own needs. The holiday season can sometimes be emotional and lonely. If you’re struggling, reach out to your village for help. If you prefer to connect with family from afar, that’s ok. Honor your needs. On the other hand, if you’re super excited to be with family this year, self-love is still important! Get a mani/pedi, take some deep belly breaths, drink some nurturing tea. If you’re at a family members house you can take an extra long shower or bath, go for walk or do a quick meditation before getting out of bed. Don’t forget to love yourself.

4. Keep it Spiritual

 The holiday season is deeply rooted in spiritual tradition, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. I believe the greatest way to overcome the holiday stress is to add meaning and purpose to the season. This can mean reconnecting with your spiritual or religious traditions, it might mean donating your time to a charity or  your community, or maybe you have decided to create your own family tradition this year.

This holiday season I encourage you to find meaning by connecting to yourself, reflecting on your needs as an individual/family and be of service to others in some way. I’m sending a wish to you and your family, that you may find peace and joy in this time of year, that you can let go of thoughts and ideas that don’t serve  you and forgive others for their words/actions which may hurt or offend you. There is always room for repair, there is always room for healing. Peace, joy, love and more love.

xo,

Gina