The holidays can make the already frenetic pace of life seem overwhelming. The added tasks of cooking, cleaning, shopping, visiting or hosting and the myriad of other activities leave little time for relaxation and induce stress.
Fortunately, your oasis away from the hectic holiday season is only as far as your yoga mat. My classes in the studio are always a welcome break from my life as a working mom of four kids, but in these weeks leading up to Christmas, the respite has felt more welcome than ever.
Although the holidays are fun and many people consider it the best time of the year, the preparations are stressful. Stopping to breathe and let go of the stress can make tackling the next item on your to do list feel less challenging and more fun.
If you practice in a studio, you may feel like you are gaining more time to get things done this week. However, the hour you spend on the mat will pay for the rest of the day. You have the opportunity to let go of the stress, breathe and relax your body and mind. As you move through the rest of the day, you will feel happier and more relaxed.
If you practice at home, or just can’t make it to your class at the studio, you can still gain the relaxation benefits of yoga at home. At this time of year, some people find it easier to work yoga into their busy holiday preparations when they can practice according to their schedule at home.
Starting your day with yoga is a great way to savor the enjoyment of this time of year without becoming overwhelmed with everything that must be done. Taking even 15 to 30 minutes to practice is well worth the effort and the time spent in yoga is a great reminder to let go and live in peace and gratitude.