Ok friends- it’s the last blog in this “Surviving the Holidays” series and I have one last piece of advice…that I’m reminding myself to do each day too…

You might think a Trainer/Health Coach might tell you how important it is to exercise when you’re going to be sitting for long hours of travel or eating and drinking more indulgently than usual and you would be right. I do think that’s important. Like, really, super helpful.

BUT, if I’m being real here, I think a bigger threat to our health during a busy holiday season is stress. Anyone else have a constant running list of “to do’s” going through their mind all the time this month? Add that to added financial stress, non stop social engagements and general overstimulation/lack of sleep. I LOVE the holiday season but I can still feel my health taking a toll as the days go on.

So, while I think is important to squeeze in a walk in the fresh air and sun each day and get in workouts when you can (10 minutes goes a long way!), I think it’s more important that we all find some time to breathe, be present and be more mindful each and every day. Stress is stress- good or bad- and the one of the best ways to counteract it is through mindfulness.

According to research from the American Psychological Association- and definitely confirmed in my own life- here are some of the benefits of mindfulness:

✨decreased rumination of thoughts

✨stress reduction

✨improved working memory and focus

✨improved cognitive flexibility

✨decreased emotional reactivity

✨higher relationship satisfaction

✨improved immune function

I know what you’re thinking… “I can’t wait to start a great mindfulness practice on January 1st” And, while I think regularly implementing some type of mindfulness consistently in the new year is an amazing goal, why not start now?? I promise you that taking 5-10 minutes a day will not keep you from getting done what you need to- in fact, I think you’d be surprised at how much more productive we can be after taking some time to meditate, journal or breathe.

So take some time now to light that (non toxic) candle, throw on a cozy blanket, sit by the fire or near some sunlight and do a ten minute meditation or fill out this gratitude journal:

My goals for the next few weeks are daily meditation and walks, writing in my gratitude journal for five minutes a day and squeezing in some acupuncture too. I’d love to hear how you’re committing to some self care from now til the New Year.

Happy Holidays to those who celebrate and peace and joy to you all!!

To your health,

~Jess