Healthy Holidays

December 10, 2018

The healthy holidays are here, and for some of us this is a joyful time filled with happy memories and embracing the simple pleasures of family, friends and celebration.  For some of us these days bring shadows of the past and a feeling of pressure to “put on a happy face”.

Whatever your experience of the holidays, accept it as part of who you are…feeling grateful for everything that has brought you to this place in your life right now.

Staying healthy and calm at this time of year is especially challenging as we navigate adding parties and shopping and eating more to our daily routine.  Consider trying some of these tips to keep you feeling grounded and healthy throughout the holidays:

A consistent routine

Find one or two things that you will do each day that are non-negotiable; a daily yoga practice, morning meditation, a brisk walk in the fresh air, a warm bath before bed, a gratitude journal. Anything that helps you to feel connected to what makes you happy.

Drinking plain warm water

Try this for a week and see how you feel. Warm (or even hot, if you tend to be cold-natured) helps the digestive system to function better and will naturally detoxify your body from the extra food and drink that we take in during this time. It can help to prevent weight gain and relieve that bloated feeling after a party.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is the one thing our body and mind absolutely cannot do without and maintain over-all health. Sticking with a consistent schedule of sleeping and waking will keep body and mind functioning well and help minimize the effects of stress.

Eat fresh food

Even if you just couldn’t stay away from that yummy dip and those delicious drinks at the party, the next day devote yourself to fresh fruits and veggies and the body will handle the rest!

Remember that however you experience the holidays…just be with that experience.  If you eat too many cookies, don’t beat yourself up over it, just get back to your routine the next day.  If you need to be alone, take that time for yourself.

Stress is way more damaging than anything else we can take in during this time, so keep with your practice and breathe through each moment.  Remember that you are already exactly how you were meant to be.  Enjoy!

Om Shanti

Lisa Coyle is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Holistic Health Coach and certified Yoga 4 Cancer teacher.  For over 17 years, she has been passionate about helping students both in group classes and individually to find their own unique path to health and happiness.

Stay healthy on your holidays and do not forget to register your Yoga Class here.