Holistic living during the holidays | bac massage therapy

Holistic living during the holidays

The holidays are a time when our regularly scheduled program goes out the window and stress can run out of control.

Social commitments, family traditions, and financial strain, on top of work and school and normal life can be a recipe for a stressed-out holiday. And although some things may not be able to happen like normal this year, that doesn’t mean the stress will be any less. In fact, it will probably lead to higher stress levels.

When you have worked hard to create a more holistic life for your family It can be hard to figure out a way to balance holistic living and the holiday season.

Holistic living is living a life that nourished you body, mind & soul.
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So holistic living during the holidays needs to be exactly that. A holiday season that nourishes you body, mind & soul, while still honoring family traditions (even if it’s in a modified way).

What can you do to keep living a holistic life during the holidays?

1. Make sure you are nourishing your body with health, whole foods … no one can live off sugar cookies and wine all month.
2. Prioritize rest & sleep … staying up until after midnight wrapping gifts is not helpful … and having a nap should be a must though the holidays!
3. Practice mindfulness … be present in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest rather than focusing on what you have to do next.
4. Schedule self-care … if you are tempted to cancel a massage because your schedule is too full, DON’T! That is exactly the time that you need it the most.
5. Identify what your holiday stressors are … then you can brainstorm how to refocus or minimize your stressors.
6. Be intentional with how you spend your time and energy … hosting an event you hate is not a good use of your time or energy.
7. Practice gratitude … try writing 3 good things every day in December (for more suggestions click here)
8. Move your body in a way you love … this is the perfect time for a kitchen dance party to your favorite holiday tunes.
9. Seek joyful connections … because we can always use more people in our lives that bring us joy.
10. Spend time outdoors … bundle up and go for a walk or if you are lucky enough, play in the snow.
11. Unplug regularly ... set aside time when you turn off your notifications and get off line
12. Snuggle up with a book, a blanket, and a cup of tea … because who doesn’t like snuggling up to read (or watch a movie).
13. Block “free time” into your schedule and don’t let obligations creep into that time … it’s just for you and your family.
14. Remember why the holidays are actually important … it’s not about the gifts, or having the perfect event, or the perfectly decorated house … it’s about being with the people we love and making joyful memories.