Winter is Coming- 5 Things to Help You Celebrate

December is here, and you may notice the darker days and cooler temperatures that invite us to embrace winter practices. Now is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and prioritize our well-being. Below you’ll find a few tips to help you not only enjoy the season, but also feed your soul:

1. Embrace Stillness. With the holiday season in full swing, we may feel overwhelmed by all the things on the “to do” list. The best way to counteract the busy-ness is tapping into the power of quiet stillness. Sitting for even five minutes of deep breathing or meditation will ground you in the present and stabilize your foundation for the day ahead. It’s especially important on the days you feel like you don’t have time for sitting. That’s when you need it the most. Try it!

2. Create a Winter Ritual. Rituals bring us into the beauty of life and anchor us to the present. Your ritual can be a big celebration with family, but it can also be a simple daily ritual like enjoying afternoon tea.

3. Journal for Reflection. As the year comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. Express gratitude for the lessons learned, and consider what you’d like focus on during the coming year. Doing this practice sets the stage for embracing the new year with an open heart.

4. Lean into Extra Rest. The dark, cold nights of December call for us to rest and rejuvenate. You may find you’re tired earlier in the evening, and extra rest can be exactly what your body and mind need (especially if you have many social commitments this season). Turn off the screens early, and signal to the body it’s time to unwind with a warm beverage or a self-massage with essential oils.

5. Connect with Community. Whether through a telephone, a Zoom call, or an in-person gathering, connection enhances your sense of belonging and warms the heart. Say “yes” to events that allow you to share joy and laughter with others. Doing so will add a sense of magic to your holiday season.

I hope you have a wonderful, magical month!