The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it’s also a period when routines are disrupted, indulgence is encouraged, and stress levels can rise. Maintaining health during this festive time might seem challenging, but it’s essential for enjoying the holidays to their fullest.
On December 18 our Wellness Event was Healthy & Happy Holidays: A Self-Care Chair Yoga Class led by experienced instructors from Create Calm. Among the myriad of options available to boost physical and mental well-being, yoga stands out as a holistic approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.
It’s important to prioritize your physical health.
- Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your holiday plans. Whether it’s a family walk after a big meal, a morning yoga session, or dancing at a holiday party, staying active helps manage weight and reduces stress.
- Moderation is Key: Holiday meals and treats are often rich and plentiful. Enjoy them, but practice portion control and balance indulgent foods with healthier options like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.
- Hydrate: With the abundance of festive drinks, it’s easy to forget water. Staying hydrated supports digestion and can help curb overindulgence.
Keep Your Immune System Strong
- Get Enough Sleep: Late-night celebrations can disrupt your sleep schedule, but adequate rest is crucial for maintaining energy and immune function.
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your body’s defenses.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent the spread of colds and flu.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Yoga is not just about the physical body; it is deeply rooted in fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Breathing exercises and meditation lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Enhance Focus and Concentration: Techniques like Trataka (gazing meditation) sharpen the mind and improve concentration.
- Promote Emotional Stability: Yoga cultivates mindfulness, enabling individuals to process emotions constructively and improve resilience.
The holidays are a special time to create memories and cherish moments with loved ones. By prioritizing health, you can ensure that you’re physically and mentally prepared to enjoy the season’s magic. With a little planning and mindfulness, staying healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can become part of the celebration.
Create Calm is a nonprofit dedicated to developing healthier, happier communities through mindfulness- based behavioral health education. They bring yoga experiences to community groups and schools all around the Maryland and DC area.
Check out their website for more information Create Calm – Create Calm