4 WAYS TO STAY WELLNESS THIS CHRISTMAS
As last year’s Christmas plans were effectively cancelled, the diary might be starting to fill up a little more than previous years. In a bid to try and see everyone, and say yes to every social event, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the way-side. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious. To add to it, Covid anxiety could be on the rise… Here are 4 ways you can put yourself first and stay well this Christmas.
Calm the Nervous System
Our nervous system is our internal regulator. We operate in two states, our sympathetic state (fight or flight), and our parasympathetic state (rest and digest). Higher levels of socialising, seeing relatives that you maybe wouldn’t normally see, and festive drinking can leave you in a parasympathetic state more than usual. One very effective way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system is the breath. The breath, particularly the exhale, helps calm the body and mind and give you the chance to rest.
There’s some interesting research that weight can have a calming, organising effect on the central nervous system. This is because it adds a proprioceptive input (a mind-body connection). So, one amazing way to soothe is to use a blanket over the top of you while you meditate or practice yoga nidra. It serves as a physical reminder to relax for the brain. Another way is physical touch from a loved one or a pet - so why not snuggle up on the sofa and watch a Christmas film?
Try this yoga nidra for peace meditation on the on-demand library.
2. Get Outside in Nature
Daylight hours are limited so it is even more important to get outside when you can this December to support healthy circadian rhythm and soothe the nervous system. Maybe swap a pub meet up for a country walk with a friend to catch up? If you fancy some alone time why not try our Head of Yoga, Jenny Stewart’s “Walking Meditation” on the Online Studio. It’s a 10 minute practice you just pop your headphones in and it encourages you to notice, breath, and relax in your surroundings as you continue to walk.
If you’re a runner we have a whole running series on our platform including a “Yoga for Runners” series including a cool down stretch, upper body release and single leg stability. Check out Episode 1 (focused on the upper body) HERE.
3. Keep it short
If you are someone that loves routine the festive period can really throw that up in the air for you. Instead of throwing exercise completely out the window why not just commit to a shorter session than you normally would. It’s amazing how 15 minutes of movement or meditation can really shift your energy in the day. If you get the end of the session and actually think you have and want more time you can add another short session afterwards.
This is why we created our “12 Days of Wellness” series. 12 classes from vinyasa and yin yoga, to breathwork, HIIT and cook -alongs there are so many options. If you feel like you need a little energy boost but you are already feeling depleted why not try Evelyn’s 15 minute Christmas Tabata HIIT class followed by Olivia’s 15 minute Yin Yoga? The best of both worlds.
4. Quality Time with Loved Ones
Hopefully all the work you do to make time for yourself (you know what they say fit your own oxygen masks before helping others) to calm the nervous system will allow you to make space for quality time with loved ones. When we’re busy it is so easy to slip into detachment from others and our close relationships shape our lives.
One amazing way to bring people together is through food. Whether that be cooking together or gifting a festive snack as an excuse to go over for a chat food can be a great unifier. On our blog our resident chef, Evelyn, has lots of festive recipes to keep you busy. The Gingerbread Bites are a particular favourite.
