by Heather Burgoyne, Owner, Soar Pilates
The holidays. The most wonderful time of the year; isn’t that what they say?
While I do love the holidays — the decorations, the music, the parties, the family — oh yes, all the family, I also usually start to get ramped up and can oftentimes feel overwhelmed with all the pressure of commitments, gifting and showing up for everyone but myself.
My normal routines go out the window; I’m staying up later, indulging in rich and overly sweet treats and definitely partaking in an extra amount of “cheer.”
I feel this is a cycle a good majority of us go through during this season, and we often tell ourselves, the new year is just around the corner and I’ll reset then. And while that may seem like a good idea at the time, we aren’t listening to what our bodies are so clearly telling us with the extra cortisol levels of stress being produced.
Our bodies and our spirits crave routine and movement. They have since we were brought into this world, and I’m reminded of that every day while watching my 4-year-old son go throughout his daily life. One skipped nap, an extra cookie for dessert and a late night leaves his tiny little being all out of sorts for the next few days. It is absolutely no different to my 39-year-old being.
My point here isn’t to tell you to stop enjoying the season as you are used to. It is just to remind you to take time for yourself. To take deep breaths — deep inhales and big exhales during moments of chaos and noise. To fully embrace the magic of those around you. To spread joy and kindness throughout your community by walking with your head held high and your heart open.
Allow yourself the greatest gift of all, the gift of wellness and movement throughout this holiday season and ongoing through the new year.
Happy Holidays!