HEALTHY YOU

Breathe Life Into the Holiday Season STORY MICHELLE JOHNS

MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

in a fewshort weeks the year 2021 will come to a close. As we race to the finish line with a myriad of internal and external experiences, it is helpful to take a moment and breathe through the last-minute hustle. Below are a few common holiday stress busters. With a little bit of strategy and self-care, you can end the year on a peaceful note.

1. Breathe. I know, “just breathe” is a cliché we hear too often. Nonetheless, biological science supports the ability of our breath to help us selfregulate stress hormones. The tenth cranial nerve, with roots at the base of the brain (the body’s sensation center) runs through the entire body. When you stop, become still and breathe, you calm your nervous system and soften stress-related tension.

• Stop.

• Be still.

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose with calm, steady ease.

• Take deep breaths but not big breaths. Big breaths create excitement and can make you anxious. Deep breaths in slowly through your nose into the depths of your belly and slowly out through your nose are the breaths that destress your body and mind.

• Try to give yourself two minutes of solitude and stillness with your breath.

2. Stop and assess. Decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, parties, socials, etc. There is so much to do and often it feels like there is not enough of you to make it all happen the way you’d like. It can be overwhelming and zap the joy from your soul.

• Make lists for the things you need to do.

Categorize your to-do list. For example, make a list of gifts you need to buy, baking, parties, etc. Sub-list the things you need to do to complete the tasks on the list.

• Review your list. Give yourself permission to eliminate unnecessary items, perhaps those that create more stress than joy.

• Remember, sometimes “good enough” ends up being the “GOAT” (greatest of all time).

• Ask for help when you need it. It’s fun to include your support team in your tasks. The key phrase here is support team. Ask those who support you to help you.

3. Minimize your time on social media. Social media is like a highlight reel of all the perfect things: perfect smiles, perfect families, perfect experiences. It can bring you joy as you celebrate with others or stir you into a state of distress as you compare your life to those you see on screen. If you are stressed, social media may not be the best place for you to spend time.

Instead invest in the moments of your real life.

4. Create connection. You may feel isolated and alone. Many people have small families or are separated from their family and friends. You can create connection by attending community events, volunteering at soup kitchens or homeless shelters, and delivering meals and necessities to those in need.

• Make connection by hosting a gathering of others who may also be alone and isolated from loved ones, connecting with family and friends on Zoom, via email or Skype. Helping others and hosting communion can bring you joy.

5. Honor your budget and the budgets of others. Many people are feeling strapped due to increased costs of everyday life expenses—gas, food, clothes, utilities, housing, etc. While exchanging gifts certainly sparks joy, the pressure of buying can be overwhelming. Real joy is found in spending time with the people who bring us joy and happiness. Making memories with our favorite people by sharing a meal, enjoying conversation and playing games is a wonderful way to deepen bonds and honor your special love.

6. Honor lost loved ones. The holiday season can bring on overwhelming feelings of grief. While grief is a journey we go through after losing someone we love, we can maintain a healthy bond with them in the way we honor their memory. Baking their favorite dish, making a charitable contribution in their memory, and sharing stories about them at a group gathering are some ways to stay connected to them.

7. Take time to care for you. You don’t have to wait until January to take time out for yourself. Though the temperatures have dropped, the cool air can be invigorating. Put on your toboggan, coat, gloves and boots and get outside for some fresh air and sunlight. The outdoor atmosphere does wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.

Last but not least, Merry Christmas to you all from my heart to yours. Your emails and notes inspire and encourage me. It brings me so much joy to share wellness tips with you throughout the year. Thank you for taking this journey with me.

December 2021

HOME FEATURE

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EXPERIENCE THIS

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IN THE KITCHEN

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HEALTHY YOU

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ON A GOOD NOTE

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