It’s mid December, and most of the women I talk with are feeling the crunch of the holiday hassles––long lines, delivery delays, tired sales clerks––and long for ‘the calm.’ It’s difficult to glow with the season if we’re too worn out to enjoy the festivities.

Although the true Winter season suggests a quieter, restful, comfort-and-joy time, most calendars groan under the load of seasonal and holiday activities. Contemporary technology and progress sometimes takes us farther from the simple basics of nature’s rhythms. By this time of year, many women are feeling the adverse affects of chronic busyness on their overall health and vitality. Several of my clients suffer frequent—but often unnecessary—illness, pain and emotional upheaval during the Winter season, especially around Christmas time.

Pain, restlessness or distress often indicate that it is time to make some lifestyle changes— physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually—for optimum wellness.

In Winter, a voice says: “Be gentle, slow down, let your soul catch up with your body.”
~Verna Patrick

I’ve learned through the years, that I get more accomplished with less mental fatigue when I stop and take five––which usually turns into fifteen minutes––to give my brain-focus a much needed mental rest. Of course, my body appreciates a few minutes of recharge time also!

We may easily get swept up in the hustle-bustle of the season and forget ‘the rest.’ The rest of what, you may ask? The few minutes that cultivate the calm our minds and bodies desperately need. How do you make a restful moment in the midst of the madness?

Here are a few of my rest-rewards that work well in my over-filled days:

• Instrumental music always playing in my home or car. My mind doesn’t have to decipher any words. I’m loving the Christmas carols now, but also enjoy resting with soft jazz or piano music.

• Lying on my slant-board (feet up) for about 10-minutes during my lunch time or at the end of a long day. Or doing the “lie on the floor with my legs extended up a wall” resting pose.

• Planning (to the best of my time allowances) to shop for groceries or Christmas gifts in the earlier morning hours. I prefer less crowded stores.

• Sipping hot tea always soothes my soul.

• Allow a few moments of complete quiet. The gift of silence is priceless.

• Reading a holiday article or book (not a device). This doesn’t happen often enough for me, but it is relaxing when I do sit and read, even for a few minutes.

• Let Nature calm me. The soft colors of a Winter sunrise or sunset are pure bliss. A short walk on a cold crisp day certainly ‘wakens’ me from sluggishness.

I wish you comfort and joy, peace and laughter during this beautifully busy season while you make memories and share traditions with your family and friends. May you find a few moments of Christmas calm . . . and always, Savor the Season.

‘Tis the Season: All is Calm