‘Tis the season
I will be honest. I have had a rocky relationship with the holidays. The divergence from normal routines, the obligatory overindulgence, the excess and dare I say, waste that occurs during the holidays leaves me feeling dis-regulated, stressed and disheartened. Prior to every holiday season, I have attempted various strategies so I can feel more present and actually enjoy the holidays instead of just trying to get through them. Some strategies worked better than others, most of the time, I start out strong, then my resolve weakens leading to throwing in the towel and joining the crowd, overspending, overindulging and feeling like shit when it is all over. Perhaps this isn’t you, I envy people who truly enjoy the holidays. Perhaps you can share with me your secret to not feeling overwhelmed and let down?
Until I hear from you, this is my plan. Sticking with my routines as much as possible. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, meditating daily, de-stressing regularly with Yoga Nidra and hypnosis, sleeping a minimum of 8 hours, practicing being present as much as possible, oh, and not taking it so seriously. The holidays can be whatever I make of them, so I choose to make them relaxed, joyful and mindful.
If you too, experience stress during the holidays. A regular practice of relaxation will help your mind and body reset to its natural state of peace and calm. When the parasympathetic system is engaged during relaxation, your body goes into rest and repair mode. So if you are a go getter and think relaxation is for chumps, I have news for you. Constant stress is a recipe for ill health and disease. Deep relaxation is critical for your body to repair and rejuvenate. Without proper rest, mental and physical health will decline quickly. The importance of rest and relaxation is often overlooked in our society that values hard work and achievement. Balance is key, make sure you take plenty of time to unwind and relax after a long stressful day, especially during the holidays. If you happen to have a Yoga Nidra recording on hand or meditation app you like, do yourself a favor and listen to it. You will be thanking, the blissful stars of relaxation and reap the rewards of feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
In honor of my holiday neurosis, tonight's Yoga Nidra theme is rest and rejuvenate.
Let go of all of your stress, invoke the power of your parasympathetic system, restore, repair, heal your mind and body through deep relaxation.
Wednesday Yoga Nidra 7 pm zoom*
*all classes are recorded and you will receive the link for the recording to use as much as you like
Wishing you a relaxing holiday season!
Kirsten
