How to Survive Crazy Christmas Stress with Yoga
Are you in a hurry? Only a few days left until Christmas, and life seems to be so crazy and fast-paced.
While some of us run from one shop to another to get all presents, others are busy squeezing in some more meetings, business lunches, and Christmas parties.
Yes, it’s crazy. Especially if you think that the yearly Christmas hustle costs more than billions in America alone.
How do you celebrate Christmas? What is important for you?
I come from a small city in which everyone is crazy about Christmas! With 4 siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, 18 cousins, and 2 nephews, I used to be so stressed about Christmas, getting all presents, and preparing for Christmas day.
Can you feel me? Maybe you understand what I’m talking about.
Anyways, let me tell you what changed my view completely. Y-O-G-A.
Yep. Yoga has become so popular and a huge trend in some areas. I never quite understood that as a previous non-practitioner. However, I changed my mind completely when I was introduced to yoga.
My sister-in-law completed her yoga teacher training in India a few years back.
When she came back, she opened her own yoga studio in Santa Monica, LA.
I finally managed to take up a course last year and practiced twice a week at the studio.
You won’t believe how much of a difference this has made to me. I’m feeling so relaxed this year around Christmas.
All the presents are hand-made and fair-trade products this year that I had ready around October (haha). I focus on the things that really matter to me now such as spending time with the ones I love. Going out for dinner with them or cooking together. Sitting together and talking. Simply spending quality time, you know what I mean?
Yoga has helped me to find a little peace and to connect to myself. I feel like the world has slowed down and I’m more present with my everyday life.
I’m not saying that all is perfect and I’m surely not an enlightened soul, but I’m getting closer to my goal of living in peace.
This Christmas I am giving attention to myself as well and have fulfilled my dream of applying for yoga teacher training in India.
I got submitted to my first ever yoga teacher training in India and can’t wait for it! I will be flying to Rishikesh in January and start my yoga teacher training on February 1st.
Here are a few tips on how to survive your Christmas this year:
1. B-R-E-A-T-H-E: We all do it thousands of times per day, but not properly. Focus on your breath and try to breathe deeply out. This helps you to release accumulated carbon dioxide and feel more relaxed mentally and physically
2. T-I-M-E-O-U-T: Take some time out and spend time with yourself. Book yourself in for a massage or enjoy an evening alone. Put some candles on, meditate, relax and do NOTHING. You will be surprised by how amazing it feels!
3. Y-O-G-A: Practise yoga daily. Schedule a fixed time for yoga every single day. It’s so important to stay in tune with your body and mind and yoga will definitely help you to feel your inner strength while keeping cool and relaxed
4. N-O-U-R-I-S-H: Nourish the temple of your soul, your body. Eat well. Take in lots of fruits and veggies especially in the cold season now. Eating only cookies and fast food decreased your mood and leads to depression and fatigue
What else would you count as helpful to survive the Christmas stress? Is there anything else you would recommend?
I think the most important is to remember that Christmas (and all other celebrations) should focus on spending time with the ones you love and being grateful for our lives. It’s not about what we have, buy, consumes…it’s about LOVE. Giving your attention, love, and care is what really matters!
Autobiography:
Celina is a 24 year-old yoga lover from LA, USA. She is a new yogini who has recently found her calling to shift her perspective and focus on what really matters. She is excited to be traveling next year to join a yoga teacher training in India.