Feeling the end of the year overwhelm yet? 🫠

In spite of the festive mood and our natural need for cocooning in the winter, this time of the year tends to be hectic and stressful. We’ve been pushing ourselves hard. We’ve been doing our best to reach our goals, while balancing all the unexpected challenges on top. And now we're trying to make it all happen and finish off everything until the end of the year. 🤪 Am I right? The pressure to keep going and then feeling there is not enough time coupled with end-of-the year exhaustion and viruses is loudly calling for you to take care of yourself and prioritize your health. To be honest, I’m writing this for myself as well, as my December is way too packed and am trying to do more than is possible or even necessary 🙈.

First of all, refuse to buy into time scarcity mentality. There is enough time! Life will go on after December 24th and also after January 1st.

Here are 5 simple things to do in order to avoid the overwhelm, post-Christmas parties blues and meltdowns at family dinners:

 1.   Morning sunlight: Viewing sunlight in the morning - as soon as you can after waking up, even if through cloud cover -  has been shown to increase alertness, boost mood, lower stress, and improve sleep quality. Light exposure regulates your circadian rhythm — your body’s internal clock mechanism for anticipating when to wake up and go to sleep. It also manages other biological processes like hunger and body temperature. I can’t emphasize the importance of this for managing stress, keeping an optimal body weight and metabolism as was as improving your immunity. It was a game changer for me. Especially viewing the sunrise has proven an alchemical process to me.

2.   It's all about the blood sugar balance. Eat and drink well. This may sound like a no-brainer but it’s worth repeating it - Don’t let all of the sugar, alcohol (loads of suger in there!) and treats of the season mess with your hormones, your sleep and leave you feeling tired and cranky. I know this is the time of Christmas parties, but please avoid alcohol and sugar. Eat nourishing warm soups, and dishes, veggies and fruits, avoid cold and processed foods.

3.   Find time for a (restorative) yoga class. This is a great time to add restorative asanas to your regular routine. 💝 Here is my favorite restorative sequence as a gift for you! See below. It works magic  and it will leave you feeling rejuvenated by calming your nervous system and nourishing your body.

Take the time to do several or just one pose. It starts with child's post (that is pic number 1 in the photo caroussel) If you choose to do one pose take baddha konasana (pic 2) or shavasana (pic 6) and hold ideally for 20 min. The other asanas 5-10 minutes. Set a timer. If you don't have all the props, be creative, help yourself with blankets and pillows that you already have at home. Breathe slowly and deeply, lenghtening your exhale and allow yourself to relax and let go.

4.   Meditate every day until New Year's at least 5 minutes a day. If you think you don’t have 5 minutes for meditation, you must do 10 minutes. This is how you can heal your time scarcity feeling. Use a mantra or a positive affirmation when meditating (write it down beforehand). It literally changes the way your brain functions and turns your thinking into a more positive direction.

5.   Take a hot bath with a few drops of essential oils: My favorite mix is lavender & geranium oil, (or Meditation mix by farfalla) add Epsom salt or sea salt. Heaven!

Because nothing is as important as your health and well-being. You’re a precious soul — treat yourself that way. The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones and the world is a, healthy, joyful and present self!

To support your optimal health and joy during this often challenging time, I’m offering a 5 day online course  from 11.-15. December to recalibrate your nervous system.

Gelassenheit und Kraft in der Adventszeit – 5 Abende, 30 Minuten für dich: sanfte Yogapraxis mit Atemübungen und anderen Tools mit denen du dein Nervensystem eigenständig beruhigen kannst und gestärkt in die Feiertage gehst.

🎁 Dieser Kurs ist dein Geschenk an dich selbst! Sehen wir uns da? With love and care, Gabriela 🤗💖