If the holiday season elicits a mix of pure joy and anxiety, you’re not alone. This time of year can be hyper-sensitive for us all.
Those gentle notions of peace, harmony and presence aren’t always what we see out on the roads or in retail. Financial strain and family stress can also start to thaw. And let’s not forget solstice season – did we even see the light of day before or after leaving work??
Here are five ways to soften tension and help you feel present during these special times.
1. Mushrooms as thy medicine
Feeling under the weather over the holidays is a real damper (not dasher or dancer, but the elusive 9th reindeer that pulls the bulk of Christmas weight). Bolstering immunity should be #1 on your nice list.
Mushrooms are praised for their immuno-modulating properties. In other words, they keep immunity rocking around the Christmas tree.
Reishi is known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. Turkey tail and maitake help stimulate the immune system. Cordyceps can fend off respiratory infections and chronic viral conditions. Chaga boosts immunity, metabolism and lowers inflammation. Shiitake has also been praised as nature’s antibiotic.
To support immunity over the holidays, try integrating a ‘magical’ mushroom formula with your supplement flow.
2. Rest & Renewal
Yes, yes, we all know that sleep is essential. But if your eyelids are feeling the weight of the year, it could be time to reset your bedtime and morning routine. Here’s how:
Take time to wind down
Silent nights are truly holy. To calibrate your mind and body for sleep, switch off ALL blue light emitted from screens at least two hours before you fall asleep. To calm a busy mind, try a self-care practice like diffusing essential oils for sleep (such as lavender, valerian, chamomile) or closing your eyes to a soothing sound meditation. Peace on earth and good sleep to all.
Rise and shine
While waking up even earlier might feel counterintuitive, a bit of bonus awake time will help you ease into the day more enlivened. Try lighting a candle in the dark morning, avoiding electricity before sunrise and quietly journaling some gratitude. Put on your coziest holiday socks and explore a gentle meditation practice (ideally near a window, even if it’s pitch black outside).
Sleep and restfulness help us cope in stressful situations, with a little more love, patience and compassion – the most generous gifts we could give.
3. Adapt & release
When energy is in short supply (hello festive flurry), we’re all about adaptogenic herbs. Helping the body and mind adapt to stress, these rescue remedies are the antidote to holiday burnout.
Consider adding ashwagandha, schizandra, rhodiola and maca to your festive smoothie. Keeping cortisol levels and stress hormones happy will help lighten up the holidays.
4. CBD for the spirit
Ever considered adding CBD to your relaxation rituals? Perhaps it’s time to dabble with a microdose of cannabidiol, the active (non-psychoactive) compound found in the hemp plant. CBD promotes calm, anti-anxiety and helps offset inflammation.
With recent legislative change around cannabis edibles, you can now find CBD in many new forms, from chocolate bark, honey and gummies to tinctures and oils. “Special” adult candy cane brownies, anyone?
We’re not implying that you need to reach a tranquil state of euphoria to handle family time. Just sayin’.
5. A holiday mantra
When you simply need a meditative moment to get grounded, here are a couple of mantras you can quietly have on repeat (between the classic Christmas tunes).
“The loving-kindness and energy I share are enough.”
“I am present, I choose joy.”
“I am enough.”
It helps to remember that the spirit of giving is really about presence. If you feel inspired, try creating your own mantra to connect to stillness over the holidays.
Being conscious of the ephemerality from moment to moment can also help put things in perspective.
When any overwhelm creeps up, remember that you’re only here in this moment for a little while. Enjoy the [sleigh] ride.
