A 7-Step Wellness Routine For Your Holiday Season
Source: @waityouneedthis
If you know me, you know that the holidays are, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. I listen to Christmas music year-round, start watching Love Actually in October, and 100% would move to Whoville if it was a real town. But December usually feels like a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of sprint instead of the calm, full season I intend it to be every year. It also leads to a lot of sluggishness, bloat, and overall feeling sick thanks to the abundance of eggnog and change of routine. So here is a wellness routine to get you into the holiday spirit and keep you grounded, healthy, and present, all the way through January 1.
1. Wake up and get cold
While it might feel impossible to get out of your warm, cozy bed and into the cold, frigid weather getting some fresh air first thing in the morning wakes up your mind, body, and soul. Taking a walk in the morning rejuvenates your body, because not only are you getting some movement, but you're getting a little sunlight and fresh air too. Being outdoors and feeling the cold air lowers inflammation–it's literally medicine for your body. And as for medicine for your soul? Take time to notice the pretty snow and trees without their leaves. If it's warm where you are? Play "White Christmas" on repeat and use your imagination.
2. Eat your greens
Whether it's a peppermint mocha smoothie (add cacao powder, peppermint oil, and a banana for sweetness), eating spinach in your omelet, or just making a green juice to sip on along with your cinnamon rolls, try starting the day off with leafy greens. Leafy greens are the body's life force: they feed us generous, nourishing, calming energy that will help us enjoy the rest of the day and stay present with our loved ones.
3. Bathe in the season
Winter is begging us to restore, renew, get grounded, and get warm. It's a time to focus on warming up: our bodies, our thoughts, and our souls. Start with the body by indulging in warm baths with epsom salts to naturally detoxify the body from the outside-in, or hydrating bath milks to nourish the skin. Also try heating up oil (sesame oil is best for winter, according to Ayurveda, since it's the most warming) between your palms and massaging it into the body from the neck to the feet.
4. Get lit
Candles are not only good for setting the mood and making the house smell like cookies when you haven't baked once this year. Lighting a candle is an act of manifestation; it helps you stay in the present moment, while representing new beginnings. Whenever you light a candle, say a silent affirmation, prayer, or simply let it serve as a reminder to feel joy. Try scents that smell like a crackling fire, woods full of pine trees, or incense like frankincense for extra meditative properties for the season.
5. Dance
In any time of celebration, the best way to get into the spirit is, of course, dancing. Whether you forego your typical workout to turn on some music and let your body move or you simply dance around the kitchen while cooking holiday dinner, music and movement are some of the most sacred ways we can celebrate, enjoy, and be merry (literally). Fill your home with your favorite Christmas music from morning until night, and let yourself dance around whenever you feel like it. If you're feeling over Christmas music (but like, have you ever even listened to Michael Bublé?), try one of these playlists that are inspired by the season without a hundred different versions of "All I Want for Christmas is You."
6. Treat yo'self
While the holidays are often a time of food guilt, body shame, and general regret, try to remember that the point of holidays is to enjoy them. When you eat nourishing foods from the earth most of the time, one meal (or a couple holidays) won't do anything to change that. Joy is a nutrient too, just as important to your body as antioxidants and protein, so indulge, enjoy, and eat intuitively, knowing this is how your body is supposed to enjoy special celebrations. When you do cook or bake for yourself, try plant-rich versions of your favorite holiday classics. Some of my favorite recipes:
7. Practice Gratitude
'Tis the season to be joyful, right? If not, what is the point of The Christmas Carol? But gratitude isn't just something we talk about at Thanksgiving and go around the table to share at Christmas dinner. It's one of the most powerful hacks for healing our bodies and improving our happiness. This year, turn a holiday card into a meaningful act of thanks, send texts to loved ones and friends you aren't seeing this year, and journal about all of the things that brought you joy this year, even in the smallest ways.
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