Finding Calm During The Holidays
Hi Friend,
The holiday season is filled with joy, connection, and yes—stress… and that's okay! Balancing responsibilities, events, and self-care can feel overwhelming, but simple practices can help regulate your nervous system and keep you grounded. This week, I’m sharing actionable tools to bring more ease to your days and a curated gift guide of my favorite products to help you or your loved ones prioritize wellness.
Breathe Into Calm: The Hand Tracing Trick
This simple yet powerful breathing exercise helps anchor your nervous system:
Open your hand wide, fingers spread.
Place the index finger of your opposite hand at the base of your thumb.
Slowly trace up your thumb as you inhale deeply.
Glide down the other side of your thumb as you exhale fully.
Repeat this process for each finger.
This mindful practice is portable and perfect for a quick stress reset anytime. I tried it while shopping in grocery store mayhem the day before Thanksgiving, and it did wonders!
Gentle Movement Flow: Relieve Stress
in Minutes
Set aside 5–10 minutes for this restorative flow:
Child’s Pose: Sit back on your heels, extend your arms forward, and take three deep breaths.
Cat-Cow Stretch: Transition to all fours. Inhale as you arch your back (Cow Pose), and exhale as you round it (Cat Pose). Repeat for 5 breaths.
Standing Forward Fold: Stand and hinge forward, letting your arms dangle. Shake your head gently “yes” and “no” to release neck tension.
This movement flow relaxes muscles, enhances circulation, and promotes mental clarity. Sometimes a 5 minute reset is all you need!
Nutrition Hack: Stay Energized with
Balanced Snacks
When holiday schedules get hectic, maintaining energy levels is key. Create a balanced
snack with these elements:
Protein: Nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt.
Healthy Fat: A slice of avocado or a handful of walnuts.
Complex Carbs: Whole-grain crackers or apple slices.
Remember, if you're feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired… HALT! This trio stabilizes
blood sugar, keeping you fueled and focused during busy days.
Give the Gift of Wellness
or treat yourself—with my top picks:
Theragun Mini: A portable percussive massage device perfect for relieving tension on the go. Great to use on yourself or a partner or friend.
NormaTec Compression Boots: A game-changer for recovery and relaxation, these boots improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness. They’re great for your teens who play high-impact sports as well.
CBD Wellness Patches: Easy-to-use patches for stress relief, improved sleep, and overall calm. 20 mg of Hemp extract with no THC.
I have all three and highly recommend them for pain relief, the gift that keeps on giving. These products combine luxury with functionality, making them ideal for holiday gifting.
As you move through this holiday season, remember to take moments to nurture yourself. Whether it’s through a deep breath, gentle movement, or a nourishing snack, small steps make a big difference. Happy holidays, and may your season be filled with wellness and joy!
In love & alignment,
Maddie
