Holiday Hustle and Bustle

HAPPY DECEMBER!!

 I hope that everyone had a fantastic and happy Thanksgiving spent with family, friends, loved ones, and little fur babies as well!!

As we venture into the most WONDERFUL time of the year.... I wanted to share a few thoughts with all of you.

Christmas is such a joyous time!! It brings families and loved ones together for well overdue visits. It's filled with gift giving, games, music, laughter, hugs, and soooo much food!! The beautiful glow of all the lights, and the warm fuzzy feelings as you snuggle up with hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. The glistening snow falls (As it is today) around us and we see the little ones with their sleds, snow angels, and snowball fights. It's time for shopping and wrapping, and travel!! The joyful list goes on and on............

But...with all this upon us, it can be quite stressful!!! VERY stressful in fact!! The stores are packed, and the lines are long. So much to buy, so much to wrap, so much food to prepare. Where is everyone going to sleep? Who is going to sit by that one family member at dinner? Prices have gone up and money may be tight, can we afford a good Christmas for everyone? Work is busy, so what if we can't get all the decorations up and the lights hung? OMG...what if Linda tells Karen what we said about her? AHHHHHHHHH!!!

I know you are feeling me right now!! LOL

With all funnies aside, it certainly can be a season of stress, tension, anxiety, and simply a sense of overwhelment!! It is incredibly important at this time to step back and take a look inside!!

What is really the most important thing to you about this season? What things can you let go of and just let be so you can focus on what your heart needs and loves. Is that special dessert or perfect tablecloth really worth the stress?

Our bodies take a significant blow during times of stress. Our nervous system breaks down, which effects every part of our physical and mental being. This leads to anxiety, sleep disruptions, digestive issues, focus, and so much more. Eventually, if we do not take the time to rest and bring stillness to our lives, our body will do it for us. It is a unique, complex, masterpiece!! It will do what it needs to survive whether you want it to or not. At this stage, you will not be able to control it.

The good news is, we can manage this before it takes over us!!

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF!!

 Stop for a moment, close your eyes and just breathe!! Counts of 5 in...counts of 5 out!!

 Lay back with a relaxing cooling eye mask (I know where you can find one;-) !!) and allow your body to become still for a few moments!!

 Find a quiet space at home or work and bring awareness to things that make you happy and bring a smile to your face!!

In the morning before you get ready for work, get down on your mat and stretch the body!!

Do a 5 minute savasana to clear the mind for the day!! Scan your body, relaxing each and every part one at a time.

 Try legs up the wall for as much time as you can squeeze in to regulate the nervous system!

Meditate

JOIN ME ON THE MAT FOR A GENTLE YOGA SESSION!!

Whatever it may be, take the time!! You deserve it, and your body and mind need it!! Let go of what is.....and embrace this moment right here, right now!! You will then see that this does not have to be a time of chaos, but a time of peace and love!

I hope to see all of you this month on the mat as we celebrate the pure JOY of this Christmas Season!!

I am adding a few classes this month to the calendar as well as my Holiday Harmony Yoga Extravaganza (Dec 19th)!!! SO.... get yourselves signed up and have some fun, treat your body and soul, and let me help you find your peace this holiday season!!