1. Therapy
Our number one tip for moving through the holidays with grace, ease, love, and joy is therapy. Start looking for a therapist today so you have that support with you through the holidays. The holidays can bring up a variety of difficult or uncomfortable emotions. Plan ahead and practice self care by booking that appointment. It is so helpful to have extra outside support and to be able to vent or talk things out or get advice when things feel difficult.
2. Set Realistic Expectations + Goals
If you aim for the perfect holiday season, you may be disappointed. Set realistic expectations as well as goals. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. – simple, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. You will go into the season with a clear head and come out of it feeling accomplished. Start with something small and set intentions for how you want to experience the holiday season.
3. Practice Grounding
What grounds you? This can look like taking off your socks and shoes and standing barefoot on the earth, if the weather permits. Maybe it is practicing meditation, cooking, or hiking. Maybe it is pausing and taking a few deep breaths. Grounding can be a quick practice, even one present minute can make a difference. Prioritize this practice and refer to tip #2 to set realistic goals.
4. Practice Breathwork
Breathing in certain ways regulates the nervous system. There are different types of breathwork for what you need at any given moment. Choose one that fits your needs. Even a quick breathwork practice can shift your mindset and mood. If you feel you need a guide, there are free resources for breathwork practices, like Insight Timer.
5. Stay Hydrated
This is simple and self explanatory. Start and end your day with water and in between drink as much as possible. To feel our best we need to be hydrated, and we know you want to feel your best during the holiday season. If you do not already have one, buy a reusable water bottle – it is worth the investment.
6. Ditch the Food Rules
Please, just forget about monitoring your food during the holidays. Gather with the people you love, eat good food, and be merry. Enjoy yourself… even indulge. This is a great time to practice the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time you eat and act for your healthiest self and 20% of the time you are free to do exactly as your heart and belly desire. The holidays are in that 20%.
7. Give Back
Giving to those you love, giving to strangers, and giving to those less fortunate than you always boosts mood. Thinking of other people and spending time serving others takes you out of your head, out of your problems, and into connection and a mindset and feeling of generosity and love.
8. Read a book
Did you know that 5-10 minutes of reading before bed can put you into quicker and deeper sleep? Do yourself a favor and take that time for yourself. Finally open that book that has been on your bedside table all year. You do not have to read a self-help book. You can read a book simply for the joy of it.
9. Journal
There is no right or wrong way to journal. You can follow prompts or write freestyle. You can write out feelings, goals, intentions, and affirmations. Journaling can be a quick practice. You can set a timer and journal until the time is over or you can journal for one page. Journaling is a great way to clear your head, ground, and center.
10. Practice Body Movement
We do not care what that movement looks like – walking, running, hiking, dancing, zumba, biking, swimming, treadmill, yoga – just get moving. Practice movement that excites you, makes you happy, and makes you feel great. Refer back to wellness tip #2 on setting realistic goals for your movement practice.
What wellness practices will you prioritize this holiday season?
Any wellness tips to share? Leave them in the comments!
We are sending lots of love and good health to you this holiday season.
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