To me, the yoga lifestyle is not about perfection, deprivation, or about chasing an unreal ideal. It is more about being real, feeling it all, and even enjoying those moments in life that may call us to step out of our “yogi-ness”. Consistency is the key, not perfection. Our lifestyle supports us when we most need it; it is there to come back to time and time again. The holiday season is a great example of how our regular, consistent practices support us during a time when we need it most. The stress, overeating, sensory overload, and overindulgence of the season take a toll on our body and mind. Now is the time to stay consistent, to remember that we have so many tools that support and nourish us when we need them most!
Here are five practices you can try through the next few weeks to feel grounded, stable, and strong during the holiday season.
- Early to bed, early to rise!
As often as possible, get into bed before 9:00 pm. Give yourself enough time to settle the mind and relax the body; try a foot massage, Yoga Nidra, or herbal tea to wind down and prepare for sleep before 10:00 pm. Similarly, try getting out of bed before 7:00 am. Waking up early is critical to preventing Āma, or impurities, leading to imbalances such as depression, indigestion, low energy, and emotional stress.
The more often you practice earlier sleep/wake cycles, the more energy you will feel throughout the day. You will even notice a difference in your digestion!
- Move!
Make movement a priority. Park farther away; walk up those stairs; bundle up and take a stroll outdoors. Daily exercise is essential to combat depression, because exercise helps moved blocked emotions and hormones out of the body. It increases the power of Āgni, therefore increasing metabolic power—something you’ll need after the excess of those holiday parties!
Exercise also releases positive neurohormones, elevating mood and positive thoughts.
- Eat intelligent foods!
Food has the wisdom to heal and nourish at a cellular level; when you know the how, what, when, and why of nutrition and digestion, you can leverage this wisdom to your advantage. In Ayurveda, it’s not just about what you eat, but also about eating at appropriate times and with the right mindset. If you’re curious about what this looks like for you, try my Ayurvedic Kitchen class!
- Hydrate!
Drink water; lots of it. Water will help clear Āma caused by the processed sugar, overeating, and excessive alcohol that are common during the holidays. For an added “detox” try CCF tea (Cumin seed, Coriander seed, Fennel seed) at least once a day. Mix equal parts of the seeds (1 tsp total) and add to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 3-4 minutes and strain. Your digestion will thank you, and your mind will feel calm.
- Self-massage!
Give yourself a daily abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage). Massage has many benefits: it increases circulation, allows toxins to be cleared from the tissues, invigorates the body, calms the mind and soothes emotions. The sense of touch is associated with emotions, and even if you are massaging yourself you are giving your skin the tactile stimulation needed to balance Vata dosha and calm anxiety and stress. The massage can be done at any time, though I personally like to do it in the morning before my shower.
These practices are designed to help you feel calmer and more grounded; to help you have better energy throughout the day; and to gently support your digestion in releasing toxic waste from the body. Try them and let me know in the comments any differences you feel!