Winter is naturally a season for retreat and reflection. But the pre-Christmas period often feels like the complete opposite: holiday parties (with lots of people, alcohol, and sugar), work stress, end-of-the-year deadlines, and waves of seasonal colds. 😵‍💫

Instead of stillness and joyful anticipation, this time of year often brings hectic schedules, stress, and emotional challenges. And yet this is exactly when we need more inner calm and a clear mind — before the holidays and family gatherings. 🙏💙

Here are 5 simple tips to avoid pre-holiday overwhelm, post-Christmas blues, and family-dinner meltdowns:

1. Get your morning sunlight

Step outside as early as possible after waking even on cloudy days.
Morning light boosts your mood, lowers stress, regulates your circadian rhythm, and supports immunity, metabolism, and sleep. For me personally, it has been an absolute game changer. Watching the sunrise feels alchemical to me.

2. Keep your blood sugar stable

Eat warm, nourishing meals and reduce sugar and alcohol — especially during this season.
Both can quickly throw your hormones, sleep, immune system, and mood off balance. Prioritize soups, stews, vegetables, whole foods, warming meals, and spices like ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander, or cinnamon. Your nervous system will thank you.

Here’s the recipe for my favorite winter drink. I call it a belly hug 😊 :

Moon Milk
• 250 ml almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 vanilla pod or vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ashwagandha
• Optional: 1 tsp honey if you prefer it sweet

3. Make time for restorative yoga

December is ideal for restorative asanas that nourish, soothe, and reset your nervous system.
On December 21, I’m offering a special Winter Solstice restorative class: Return of the Inner Light.
You can expect gentle restorative postures, grounding and calming breathwork, meditation, and mantra practices to help release stress and support emotional balance. It works like magic and leaves you feeling deeply restored. It's just the perfect preparation for the holiday season.

4. Meditate daily (at least 5 minutes)

If you think you don’t have 5 minutes, then you probably need 10.
Use your breath as your anchor, or choose a mantra or affirmation to guide your mind toward clarity, calm, and positivity. My current favorite is:
“I am capable of handling everything that comes my way.”
Meditation has been shown to literally change the way your brain functions — for the better.

5. Oil, oil, oil

Oil your body regularly — with warm sesame oil or an Ayurvedic abhyanga oil, from head to toe. As often as possible or at least once a week. Oiling your feet before bed is also wonderful. During this peak Vata season, it keeps your joints lubricated and calms your nervous system. You will love the soothing effect.

Take good care of yourself my friend. You matter, and the world needs you!

Big love, Gabriela 💖