It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year and yet, a quick peruse of social media or news outlets and we are reminded that there is something messing with the usual joy in the December air.
Regardless of your political slanting, this holiday season has been tinted by current events and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
My work, literally, puts me in touch with this. I feel it in the tissues of my massage clients and see it in the postures of my yoga students. I always do all that I can for clients and students during the time we have together but I often wish I could do more.
I can’t follow you all around everyday but I can offer you these 2 simple, yet potent tips to employ when we are apart!
- Express gratitude – often and out loud for even the smallest things; like a green light when you’re running behind. Scientific research has shown that gratitude affects the brain in positive ways, like…
- flooding your brain with very specific reward chemicals that build on themselves seeking more of the same, thereby reducing the release of stress hormones. It’s an upward chemical spiral!
- hyping up your hypothalmus – an important control center in the brain that regulates things like hunger, sleep and metabolism.
- Get outside – even if it’s just for a few minutes or a few deep breaths. Fresh air and sunshine have remarkable rejuvenating qualities. A brisk walk can release endorphins that hush stress hormones like cortisol. And if the sun is out you’ll enjoy a natural. mood-boosting blast of vitamin D.
I challenge you to make the commitment to apply these two simple techniques for the next 7 days and let me know what you notice.
To make it easier to include massage in your holiday wellness plan (or as a gift for someone who needs it), I’m offering 2 ways you can save:
- Click here to learn about 30-minute Massage Packs (offer ends on January 20, 2017)
- Click here to learn about my Holiday Massage Stash (offer ends on December 18, 2016)
Stay jolly, my friends!