Oh tis the season to family and friends! But sometimes, this can leave our already stressed-out bodies even more tired and overextended, not to mention the overeating that can happen, the debt you may incur, and the possible family drama that will find its way in. For some, even hearing the word “holiday” or “Christmas” can provoke a bit of anxiety in their body.
But don’t fear! I have compiled a few of my favorite things to help you stay calm in 4 main areas of your life: mind, body, spirit, and health. This will be good for you and everyone around you.
Body: Yoga
Move that body! Yoga is a powerful practice that has been used for over 5,000 years and has been proven to reduce stress and improve brain power. It doesn’t even take much to create a change in your body. For those who don’t have time to go to an entire yoga class, doing a few yoga poses at home for 15 minutes a day can be very beneficial.
Remember to implement good breathing skills while doing yoga to revitalize the cells in your body and mind. Let the stress in your life leave your mind for just that brief moment during the day. Allow yourself to feel your breath, body, and heart as you gently move.
This has numerous therapeutic benefits that can stay with you throughout the day. Studies have shown regular yoga practice to not only boost flexibility and strength but to alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety and boost the overall quality of life and well-being.
Mind: Gratitude
“Gratitude is the answer to all poisons”, a teacher once told me. I have had to reflect on that a lot. I realized I didn’t even think about the things I was thankful for in my life. I was taking so many things for granted since I knew they would just be there when I needed them, whatever that was. Living this way can close your heart, energy, and mind to others around you and to life itself.
During the holidays, things like wants, desires or financial struggles can creep into your programming, causing us to forget about gratitude. Instead, appreciate the things that you do have, not the things you don’t have. Don’t make comparisons with others. Be content with where you are in your life, even if it is challenging, knowing that these are all learning lessons and stepping stones to get to where you need to go next.
Being grateful can reduce stress, help you feel happier, and dispel fears—all good for sharing the holidays with family and friends.
Spirit: Essential Oils
Aromas of lavender, bergamot, rose, or ylang-ylang in the air during the holidays add a relaxing touch to the ambiance. Over recent years, essential oils have become all the rage, and for good reason. Many people are surprised to learn that many of the benefits claimed regarding essential oils have been supported in published scientific articles.
In a study of 41 female participants, 15 minutes of bergamot oil aromatherapy reduced stress, increased energy, and boosted positive emotions. A saliva test showed lower cortisol levels following aromatherapy in these participants compared to the control inhalation. Cortisol is the stress hormone, with higher levels tied to chronic stress.
Diffusers offer the safest way to use essential oils and will help bring balance back to your holiday season. If applying to the skin, use a carrier oil to prevent skin reactions. During the holidays, it’s a nice touch to set the ambiance, feel more relaxed, and calm the nerves.
Health: Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs known to combat and help the body adapt to stress. Some of the most potent adaptogens include Ashwagandha root extract, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis. These have long been used in Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
One of the great things about adaptogens is that they have no side effects and are safe to use. Adaptogenic lattes are a great way to start your day and an excellent substitute for coffee. So take a break, and have some tea.
Adding a daily adaptogenic supplement is an excellent idea at any time of the year, particularly during periods of high stress.
This one might be my all-time favorite. Acupuncture helps calm the stress of the holidays by encouraging the body to find its natural zen state. Who wouldn’t like a little of that?
Sterile fine needles are inserted along the different energetic pathways of the body to promote wellness and balance. By doing this, blockages are removed, pain is relieved, stress is reduced, and the body falls into a state of rest. Needles are usually retained for about 30-40 minutes to allow the relaxation to set in.
Acupuncture is a great way to face the holidays with a smile. If you have more questions, call Hummingbird Community Acupuncture in Boulder, CO.
Stress Relief – Conclusion
So there you have it; if you are struggling with holiday stress, add yoga, gratitude, essential oil diffusers, daily stress-busting adaptogenic herbal supplements, and Acupuncture.
These natural solutions will help you feel like your vibrant self all year!
