The secret to Having The Most Amazing Holiday

Tis the season to be jolly and might I add... full and busy!

Typically if we are lucky enough, we start with the harvest celebration of Thanksgiving by stuffing our belly's full of turkey, casseroles, stuffing, hearty vegetables and desserts. Just as awake from our turkey educed coma, we move straight into the Christmas shopping spree that lasts for a month. Shopping, spending, cooking, baking, photo shoots for Christmas cards and many trips to the post office. We plan and attend parties with family, friends and co-workers. These are all wonderful traditions but mentally, physically and financially stressful as well.

 As we start our busy holiday season of giving don't forget to give to yourself. Here are 7 things you can do to nurture yourself to feel healthy, vital and stress free so you can enjoy this time of giving and receiving. 


1. Set a daily "alone time" ritual. This could be as simple as getting up 10-15 minutes earlier than  everyone else to "just be" and drink your morning coffee or tea or it can be as luxurious as a 20 min bath in the evening. Allow yourself 10-20 to just be alone to collect yourself and breath. This will help you keep balance by centering yourself.

2. Eat nourishing foods and consume wisely. This doesn't mean you have to count calories every time you go to a party but know your limit. Portions are key here. Allow yourself to enjoy all the deliciousness but don't over stuff yourself. If you are going to a potluck bring a healthy alternative dish to share. There are plenty of delicious healthy recipes for the holidays. Check out this website for healthy recipe ideas. http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/holidays/holiday-central-how-tos/holidays-made-healthy-smart-indulgences.html 
  As far as alcohol goes... be cautious in how much you drink. We all know what happens when we drink too much :) When your not at a party drink lots of water and fill your body with vitamins, deep leafy greens, nuts, grains and in season vegetables. This will help give you energy and keep you healthy.

3. Make lists. Organize what needs to be done and purchased by role of importance. If your "techy" phones have list apps you can use or you can get a small notebook to carry around with a pen. I find it very satisfying to cross off one thing at a time. Whether its an app or a notepad, organizing your thoughts is always helpful and give's a measurable result.


4.  Honor Your Time. When we give ourselves a time limit we can accomplish a lot more than one might think. By doing this and staying true to the time limit you set, it helps create focus by getting the most important things done.





5. Rest. It's easy to get caught up, especially if you have children but remember sleep is essential. The more rested you are, the more productive and stress free you will become. Some might say, "I don't have the time." That's when you go back to #4 :)




6. Keep in check. Last but not least remember what's important. No matter what holiday you celebrate, remember why you celebrate it. Aprigraha (a Sanskrit word for non-possessiveness or attachment) is a beautiful Yogic principle that can be honored here. Spending money on gifts, decorations and eating are fun but keep yourself in check as to how much you are consuming. How much do you really need? Whether it be material possessions or food and drink. Possessiveness and attachment will never fail to throw one off balance. Things don't have to be a certain way to be perfect. There are plenty of ways we can create atmosphere, meals and gifts with a little love.

 Here's the cherry on top! Allow yourself to enjoy the moment. Holidays are about giving freely and spending time with the ones you love. Let go of all the "have to's" and "to do's". Get present to the present moment and find gratitude for what you have. After all that's the true gift.

 Take care of yourself and have fun!