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Tips to Manage Winter Holiday Stress

Writer's picture: callannwcallannw

Our lives can get very busy around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and winter holidays.


Between end of year work commitments, parties, family gatherings and celebrations, we may find ourselves occupied at work and away from home multiple evenings and weekends.


Amidst this exciting energy, remember to take some time to pause, breathe, and care for yourself. Get good sleep, manage sugar and alcohol intake and allow even 5-10 minutes of a seated meditation, yoga, or grounded exercise practice.


If you have animals, they are picking up on your energy and schedule changes. They may react or behave in unusual ways. Try to maintain regularity and be understanding.


Here are some suggestions to keep you healthy and grounded.


FOR HUMANS:

  • Set aside one night per week for yourself: read, relax, have a bath or watch a movie

  • Invite a simple breathing or meditation practice. Try just 5-10 conscious breaths, noticing your inhale & exhale, in the morning or before bed

  • Give yourself a massage with oil to ground and center (Abhyanga)

  • Drink plenty of (room temp) water

  • Start your day with a balanced breakfast

  • Book a massage, acupuncture, or infared sauna session to detox

  • Consider vitamins D,C, Omegas & Zinc to bolster immune health

  • Don’t over indulge on inflammatory food such as gluten, diary, caffeine and sugars

  • Probiotics can help with digestion

  • Be gentle to yourself

  • It’s okay to say “no” if you aren’t feeling up to an event. Winter is the season of colds and low energy makes us vulnerable



FOR ANIMALS:

  • Maintain routine for walks, meals, and daycare

  • Let your animal know when you will be away and when people may be over

  • Set expectations and plan for success

  • Know how your dog or cat will react and find ways to make it easier on everyone. For example:

  • Leave puzzle toys with treats if they’re alone or have a friend check on them when away

  • Designate a safe space, for example a bedroom with a closed door, so your cat can hide from visitors

  • Be careful with food scraps! Many are harmful to our furry friends and can upset their digestion, including meat bones and dairy

  • Ensure they have easy access to water and bathroom options in a new setting


Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! If there’s anything I can help with - Yoga, Animal Communication, or Coaching - please reach out. ~Callann

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