December 11, 2017
Self-care during the holiday has got to be up there on the list of priorities if you want to get through it healthy and happy! Otherwise, we may just get totally overwhelmed, not enjoy ourselves on bit or worst yet, turn into the Grinch! Last week, I woke up feeling like I was on the brink of getting a cold. It had been going of for almost a week. It wasn’t bad by any means, but when I woke up that morning I noticed my chest was still tight, my throat on and off scratchy, so I decided in that moment that I wanted to get through this holiday season and the new year, feeling good and feeling healthy both physically and emotionally. This is my gift to myself. So, I just wanted to share and mostly remind myself and others about how important self care always is, but how essential it is during the overextended, chaotic, and cheerful holiday season. So start by asking yourself… “What’s the best thing for YOU to do to make yourself a priority for the next couple of weeks while you are also focusing on giving and doing for others?” Here are some ideas that always help me get back into alignment so that I can show up feeling better in my body and more available to give others the best version of myself. #1. Move your body. Whatever kind of movement it is, it doesn’t matter. It only matters that you move. When you move, you move your breath, you move your blood, and your energy moves. Energy in motion is always healing. When you move physically you are also moving the mind and the spirit. It’s like getting 3 for the price of 1. Pick something you like and do it everyday for the next two weeks. It could be as simple as a walk around the block (that takes a whole 5 minutes). Make yourself a priority and give yourself that 5 minutes even if you have “no time.” As you walk around the block, either pay attention and observe the environment around you or, get focused on your internal environment. How does each step feel? How does your skin feel against the cool air? Are your shoulders hiked up to your ears? Other options are to go for a swim, go for a run, lift weights, take a strenuous or restorative yoga class. Feel like hitting something? Try out a kickboxing class. It might be just the thing you need to realign. #2. Relax your body. Along time might be a necessary to clear your head and your space from all the busyness. Grab a good book or a warm bath, and let yourself fully relax for 10-15 minutes. #3. Rejuvenate your body. Body work is a great way to be well and stay well. Book a massage or an Acupuncture session to prevent the stress before it sets in or to release the stress before it gets the best of you. If you can’t get in for a session, get going with the foam roller or a tennis ball at home. Using the roller or ball along your IT band, hamstrings, feet, calves, and gluts is an easy and inexpensive way to release tension and moe energy on a deeper level. #4. Feed your body. If you’ve enjoyed many holiday party food and drink options, feed yourself well the day after. Grab a green juice, eat whole foods, include protein and vegetables, maybe cut out sugar for a couple days and definitely cut back on caffeine. EEK! What? Ha! But seriously, what would it be like if it was okay to feel tired for a day? Or 7 days? I promise you won’t die. All it takes is being open to a new perspective. #5. Rest your body. Sleep well. If you can’t or don’t sleep well one night then remember that your self care is a priority so make sleep a priority and get a nap in. If you can’t nap, go to bed earlier for a couple of nights. The body does so much healing and resetting during sleep, so truly make it happen! Also, sitting down for just 5-15 minutes to quiet your mind with meditation is very healing and can be energizing well. YOU are the priority! Be the best YOU today, tomorrow and always! In Health and Healing,
