The holidays can be a wonderful and magical time. They also bring a lot of extra stress for most people. Feuding families, financial troubles, busier schedules, and cold weather can be major stressors. Luckily, you have many things that you can do to combat this. Of all the things I use to decrease stress in my life, yoga is by far my favorite. There are endless ways to use yoga to help you have a stress-free holiday season. Below you will find some of my favorites.
Yoga by the tree with Christmas music
There is something magical about hanging out in front of the glittering lights of your Christmas tree late at night. Roll out your mat next to your tree, turn on your favorite holiday music and get your yoga on! This is sure to help you turn your focus to the cozy and nice parts of the season. Don’t celebrate Christmas? No problem! This works for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday as well.
Restorative yoga
Restorative yoga is what I would consider the most relaxing type of yoga. Many props are used to help you relax for several minutes at a time in a restoring pose. If you are stressed during the holidays I would highly recommend seeking out a restorative yoga class in your area. You will leave feeling like you just spent the day at the spa; relaxed, and peaceful. Can’t get out to a class? Find some downloadable relaxing yoga classes from Kassandra Reinhardt to help deflate that stress.
New Year’s Eve Yoga
New Year’s Eve can be a night to make promises to yourself for a better upcoming year. Which is why it confuses me that most people spend the night eating and drinking to excess. In many large cities, you have a great alternative. I have seen tons of yoga studios that offer a fun time that won’t leave you with a hangover. One in particular that I saw offered a 90-minute yoga class in a large dance club, then a dance party with a club like atmosphere with one exception- the bar served fresh made juices instead of alcohol. Don’t live near a place that is offering this? No worries! This would be so easy to create with your friends!
Heated Vinyasa or Hot Yoga
If cold weather is getting you down, head to a yoga studio that offers a heated Vinyasa class. This is your typical Vinyasa but with the heat cranked up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). A Hot Yoga class is similar, but with more intense poses and in an even hotter room. Don’t forget to bring a towel and a water bottle!
Give the gift of yoga
Not sure what to get your friends or loved ones as gifts? Why not spread the love and give the gift of yoga! Buy them a gift card for a few classes, a new yoga mat or a book on yoga. Bring them along to your favorite class, your treat! Giving calm and peace to others will surely help your nerves.
Candlelight Yoga
With the days getting shorter, you can definitely take advantage of the darkness by searching out a candlelight yoga class in your town. This is a wonderful and relaxing way to destress during the holidays.
Yoga with Your Sweetheart
There are many books and Youtube clips that can guide you in doing some couples yoga. It can be a great way to connect and unwind. If you are needing some connection with your partner but want to try something more adventurous, I would highly recommend trying out an Acroyoga class. If you have never heard of it, head over to Youtube and watch a few videos, or check out this article on relationship goals for acroyoga couples. It’s an amazing way to get a workout while building trust and compassion with your partner.
Girls Mini-retreat
Instead of getting together for a cookie exchange try having a girl’s mini-retreat with your besties. If you have the funds, a couple of days away at a spa retreat can be just what you need to beat the holiday blues. If you don’t have the funds to get away, create a retreat with your friends at home. Put on some relaxing spa music, soft lighting and do pedicures, facials, a massage train, make a healthy meal together, and of course do some yoga!
With the holidays quickly approaching, take out your calendar and plan a date with your friends for your retreat, pick out a night to do yoga with your partner, and start picking out those perfect yoga gifts. Here are some ideas. Use as many of these stress relieving tips as you can to help keep you calm and peaceful this holiday season and maybe start a few new traditions for the years to come. Happy Holidays!
