Five Tips to Stay Calm Over Christmas

 

Five Tips to Stay Calm Over Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly...or stressed...or overwhelmed! But with a little help from your friends Yoga, Pranayama & Meditation, this year can be different. Here are my top 5 tips for staying calm over the festive period.

As you know, Yoga isn't just a physical practice and there are many different parts to it. With an already jam-packed schedule this week, it may seem impossible to fit anything else in, but even just 5 minutes of Meditation, 10 minutes of simple movement on your mat or even just being totally present & focused whilst you make a cup of tea, can make a huge difference.

1. Breathe

Our breath is a barometer of what is going on inside our body, If you are feeling stressed, anxious or even excited, your breath will quicken and be more shallow. Taking some Full Yogic Breaths is like sending love notes to your body - tension releases, muscles relax and minds quieten down. 4 Part Breathing (or Box Breathing) is a great way of to clear the mind, relax the body and spend a few mindful minutes. To practice this Pranayama, find yourself a comfy position and close your eyes. Imagine a box in your mind's eye with 4 equal sides. Inhale to the count of 4 up one side of the box, retain the full lungs for a count of 4 as we move along on the top of the box, exhale to the count of 4 as we move down the side of the box and retain the empty lungs for a count of 4 as we move along the bottom of the box. Continue for 3-5 minutes or until you are feeling calm and relaxed.

2. Positive Affirmations

A positive affirmation (or Sankalpa) is a short phrase or sentence, in the present tense, that is used to bring about a positive change in your life. We often use positive affirmations in classes, during Yoga Nidra or our Journaling sessions. When thinking of a positive affirmation, check in to make sure you are using positive vocabulary (think: I am healthy NOT I am not sick), that the affirmation is happening here and now (think: I am focused NOT I will focus) and that it is something that resonates with you.

3. Keep up a Consistent Practice

If you have a regular practice, keep it up! Try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible, but don't stress if this isn't happening at this time of year. Yoga teaches us to be flexible, not only in body but in mind too. There are now over 65 classes in the online library for you to use, with something to (hopefully) suit your needs and timescales - 15/20/45/60 minute classes, Yoga, Meditation, Journaling and Workshops too!

4. Stay Present

Stress usually comes from thinking about past events or worrying about future ones, but by working to stay in the present, we can relieve much of that stress. You can practice being present by taking some deep breaths and grounding yourself. Use your senses as an anchor, what does the ground feel like beneath your feet? How does the air feel on your skin? What can you hear? What can you see? What can you taste?

5. Practice Gratitude

This Christmas may not be the one we had hoped or planned for, but there are still so many things to be grateful for. Starting each day with a feeling of gratitude has a massive positive effect on our mental wellbeing. We can practice gratitude during the festive period, by celebrating the little wins, slowing down and appreciating giving and receiving gifts, spending time with loved ones or reaching out to those that we cannot be with.

Yogi Christmas Gift Guide

Stuck on what to buy the Yogi in your life? Or maybe looking for something to add to your own wish list? Look no further, as I give you my list of Christmas Gifts that would be lovely for a Yogi!

1. Yoga Mat

Now that we are all practicing at home, find your own space with a Yoga Mat. I highly recommend these Sticky Mats from Yogamatters (£20). They come in a range of colours, have a comfy depth (great for kneeling) and for the price, are really long lasting. For the more eco-friendly Yogi, Yogamatters also do a mat made from recycled materials and sustainable rubber.

2. Savasana Blanket

A luxurious blanket can really help you relax during Savasana. Something warm, large enough to cover your whole body and in a calm, relaxing colour would make any Yogi's heart sing. If you suffer from anxiety, why not try a weighted blanket? The gentle pressure from the blanket feels like an embrace, allowing the body to relax easier. 

3. Mala Beads

Mala Beads are traditionally used for Japa Meditation, where a Mantra is recited for each of the 108 beads. A handmade Mala, tailored to your needs using different stones is a beautiful gift for a Yogi. If you would like me to make you a Mala, get in touch

4. Yoga Wheel

I've had a Yoga Wheel for a couple of years now and love to use it when I'm feeling a bit un-inspired! Its great to use as a massage tool, a stretch aid, to help improve flexibility or just something fun to add to your practice. I have the Cosmic Wheel from Yogi Bare  (£39), it is strong and sturdy, but not too heavy!

5. Resistance Bands

Add a bit of something extra to your Yoga practice - try it with a Resistance Band! Resistance bands are a great alternative to using a machine at the gym (perfect for lockdown!), they are lightweight and you can use them anywhere. They are great for building muscle and strength, I love these fabric ones from Smug (£20 for a set of 3).

6. Shakti Mat

A Shakti Mat is the perfect present for anyone who suffers from aches & pains, anxiety or insomnia. Using acupressure to promote relaxation, stress relief and overall well-being in just a few minutes each day, the Shakti Mat can even be used whilst doing Yoga! Shakti Mat is also an ethical company, paying it's employees in India a fair wage and donating 10% of it's profits to good causes. Available to buy here (£49)

7. Neal's Yard Remedies

It's no secret that I LOVE Neal's Yard Products! Not only are their products amazing, but they were the first certified organic health & beauty brand in the UK, they never test on animals and make all their products in an eco factory on the South Coast. They have loads of lovely gift ideas on their website at the minute, including this lovely Meditation Blend set (£18).

8. Massage/ Reiki Voucher

Give the gift of relaxation (or treat yourself!) with a voucher for a Massage or Reiki. We often don't give ourselves a lot of "Me Time", so allowing an hour or so for Massage or Reiki can feel like a real luxurious treat. Massage is not only good for stress relief, but also great for improving circulation, improving mobility and flexibility and stimulating the lymphatic system.

9. Meditation Subscription

Give the gift of Mindfulness this Christmas, with a subscription to an online Meditation programme such as Headspace. Headspace offers online Meditations & Mindfulness courses on everything from stress to sleep. There is a free version to get you started (1 month subscription £9.99, 1 year subscription £49.99).

10. Yoga & Meditation Books

With 2020 teaching us all to slow down a little, how about spending some more time reading, learning & journaling? Here are my recommendations for must-have books:

- How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach

A modern interpretation of the Yoga Sutras, woven into a wonderful story. A book that I recommend time and time again, great if you are just starting to learn more about Yogic philosophies

- Yoga: A Manual for Life by Naomi Annand

A beautiful book full of Yoga poses for beginners & those who are more advanced, it also includes guidance on how to improve your life - covering everything from anxiety to insomnia.

- The Journey Home: An Autobiography of an American Swami by Radhanath Swami

A truly inspirational true story, of one man's journey from America to India, learning Yoga, Meditation and self-awareness along the way.

- Meditations from The Mat by Rolf Gates

This book contains 365 reflections which can be used to start each day with or during your Yoga practice. Through these daily reflections, you'll find meaningful insights into the Yogic philosophies which can help strengthen your Yoga & Meditation practices.

- The Positive Planner 

A beautiful journal that is designed to help improve your mental wellbeing, increase your positivity and feelings of gratitude. Full of prompts, exercises and spaces to doodle!