Stay Calm Through The Holidays

The pressure of the holidays can be overwhelming. Turning your home into a Norman Rockwell painting, buying gifts, accommodating family and making a dinner worthy of Martha Stewart can leave you stressed and depleted.
 
Although a luxurious spa treatment is definitely relaxing, there are simple techniques that don’t take time or money. Mental calisthenics can unwind your mind and leave you strong enough to weather any condition with grace and ease. 
 
Just Breathe
If you are rushed at work or stuck in traffic, let go of your “to do” thoughts and focus on your breath. When we’re stressed, we take quick, shallow breaths. Take a slow, deep breath in, push your belly out, and languish at the pause. Slowly exhale. You’ll feel your body and mind unwind with each cycle. 
 
Be Present
It’s easy to let tasks, errands and work blind us to the beauty that’s all around. Let your senses feast on the sensations of the holidays. See the colorful lights, feel the cold, crisp air, listen for children’s laughter, smell the pine trees and keep an eye out for kindness. When you focus on what is right with the world, everything gets easier.
 
Appreciate What You Have
If you’re waiting in line, on hold on the phone or looking for a parking space, use the time to think about what you already have. There’s always something to be grateful for: a healthy body that relishes in Jazzercise, clean water available with a flip of a handle, a safe car, a cozy bed, and your breath.
 
Make Memories
We all enjoy presents. This year, consider giving memories. Tickets to the theater, a sporting event or concert make wonderful gifts, but you can make memories for free. Make holiday cookies as a family or have everyone help with clearing snow. Focus on the experience instead of the “right way” or “fast way” to get the task done. Who knows, maybe a spontaneous snowball fight will break out.   
 
Write it and Forget it
If you feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time, try listing tasks in a calendar, including your workouts. Once you write them down, they’ll be out of your mind and you can relax knowing you’ve got it covered.
 
The holidays can be full of laughter, warmth and joy. Glide through them by focusing on your breathing, making memories and noticing what’s good and right.

I hope some of these tips will help you have an enjoyable holiday season!

Yours in health and fitness,

Kellyann

Kellyann Skorupski owns and teaches classes at The Jazzercise Fitness Center of Wall, 1985 Highway 34, Wall, NJ. You can get information on her center and the group fitness classes offered there by clicking here or visiting them on Facebook by clicking here.