Finding Balance: Embracing Self-Care and Mindfulness During the Holiday Season November 30 2025

I was thinking about the holiday season today. Doing what I have always done, lecturing myself about staying focused on friends and family and the true reason for the seaon, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the details of my decorations or gift giving.The holiday season brings a frenzy of activities, expectations, and emotions. It can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters amid the rush of shopping, social gatherings, and planning. I am hoping that we all take time to reflect on the true reasons for the celebrations while embodying the spirit of this time. I am reminding us that we should cut ourselves some slack on the to do list in order to keep our priorities straight over the next weeks. Our yoga practice, instead of something we forgo during this time, should be a tool to support and help us nagivate with calm and clarity.

Self Care & Focus on What Matters - Yoga On and Off the Mat

The holidays often find us enjoying traditions and activities that we look forward to, but which also may leave us feeling overwhelmed. As we head into December, perhaps set some parameters around what matters most to you.

• Set clear intentions for your holiday activities - what are things you really want or need to do? It is OK to say no.

• Limit commitments that don’t add value or joy to your life

• Practice gratitude daily by acknowledging small blessings and moments of happiness.

• Schedule downtime, setting aside time for rest or activities that restore you.

• Try to eat healthfully (when possible), hyrdrate and get enough sleep. All are helpful to keep us healthy and energetic

• Engage in activities that bring joy - perhaps walking in nature (my favorite). Remember, it is never too cold to walk as long as you dress properly!

  
  

Remember, self-care replenishes your ability to give and connect with others meaningfully.

To be clear, by writing this I hope to embody this philosophy and embrace this path myself. I know very well of what I speak! I hope that by grounding myself in what truly matters, I will create space in the chaos for joy and reduce my holiday stress. I suggest you write your own holiday "being present" guidelines. My list includes my wishes to: take time each day to drink a tea while sitting quietly looking at my Christmas tree with joy, light my advent wreath and say advent prayers regularly, actively maintain my personal yoga practice outside of teaching, take my mom to see Christmas lights and get hot chocolate, and to spend one on one time with each of my boys and my husband doing something holiday related. Oh, and not to get cuckoo over my holiday to do list. I will let you know how this works out.

Our Practice

Finding 15 Minutes for Personal Practice!

Yoga offers more than physical exercise; it cultivates mindfulness, breath awareness, and emotional resilience. During the holidays, your practice can be a sanctuary amid the chaos. So rather than worry about getting to a full hour class (although I hope to see you!), remind yourself that short sessions work well when time is tight. Even 10 minutes of gentle stretching or breathing exercises can reset your energy (or calm you down). Remember to focus on a breath practice to calm the nervous system. Practicing box or square breath quietly even in a parking lot or in a crowd will help calm you and help reduce anxious feelings. Some restorative practices can be incorporated into your own short personal practice. Child’s Pose, Legs-Up-The-Wall, or supported bridge encourage relaxation.

Remember that using your practice as a mindful break between holiday activities and tasks will help you to stay centered and present. Our practice supports our physical and emotional health and will help us to respond to holiday stress (and life in general) with greater ease.

Meditating on Being Present and Mindful

We may find ourselves on edge even during joyful times as we are tired, over committed or maybe find ourselves in untenable situations. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay grounded and present. We can focus on our breath or do some simple breathing practices when we notice stressors during our daily activiites. Pausing before speaking or reacting to a conversation or situation can help us choose a calm response. Try to engage fully in conversations and experiences rather than multitasking (I definitely need to make this a practice!). Probably for me the most impactful suggestion I have is to notice and appreciate small moments such as the beauty of lights on a tree, the glow of the menorah candles on a festive table, the taste of a holiday treat or the sound of laughter at a gathering of friends.

"Being compassionate to yourself is a very important practice. When you are tired, angry or in despair, you should know how to go back to yourself and take care of your tiredness, your anger and your despair. This is why we practice smiling, mindful walking and breathing, and mindful eating". ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are moments when we touch one another.” - Jack Kornfield

"If you think you're enlightened, go spend a week with your family." — Ram Dass

Deep breaths Yogis, See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Julia Anne