Merry & Bright: A Plan for Keeping Your Sanity through the Holidays

Photo via Rosencrown.

Let's be honest: sometimes the holidays can get the best of you. You may find yourself budgeting, shopping for gifts, planning special activities with friends, socializing at work, baking, meal planning, traveling, and wondering when you'll get a chance to sit back and relax.

If you've felt yourself falling into a tailspin this holiday season, this post is for you.

  

Yoga pose illustrations via Introspective Narwhal.

Here are a few tips for holding tight to your sanity and peace throughout the holiday season.

Set aside some time for yourself. This is the perfect time of year to really delve into your personal yoga practice! I recommend at least 20 minutes a day for restorative postures and heart openers. Consider this time on your mat a chance to put some compassion back into your frenzied body and mind. You could try the 12 Days of Yoga to start!

Then let this become your mantra:

We're all trying to do so much, and if we're not practicing our yoga, it's hard to do anything at all.

Remember to put family first. The true spirit of Christmas isn't about the gifts you give; it's about creating lasting memories with your loved ones. 

You could always read your kids a fun Santa yoga book, or have a snowball fight and photo shoot with some friends.

Photos via Sanga Yoga.

Minimalize, especially if you're traveling for the holidays. Place a few Amazon orders for your faraway friends and family, and opt for gift wrapping and a note inside the package. Or pack light and pick up heavy gifts once you arrive in your destination.

Be smart with your funds. Set a limit for what you can afford to spend, and don't go above it. You'll be grateful (and stress free) once the new year hits.

Get creative with your gifts! Write a poem, sing a song, take a photograph... or rely on whatever other crafty skills you've got. 

 

Treat yourself in a way that's healthy and happy. Limit the amount of sugary sweets you have each day so that you can enjoy that special cup of hot cocoa and cookie without feeling overstuffed. And be true to your expectations: if you decide there's a special day when you want to indulge, allow yourself the freedom to do so and don't beat yourself up about it afterward. Just schedule in a few extra workouts later; I recommend the Hot Room for sweating out any excess toxins!

How can you best enjoy the holidays? Give, give, give. Give what you can, not what you think people want you to. Give gifts that have meaning. Skip the meaningless ones you know won't get much use. Give thanks. Give praise to those around you who are making a positive impact. Best of all, give your love. Namaste!

Photo via LilieZenCoach.