HEALTHY LIVING

Self-defeating behaviours like procrastination and excuse-making add to our stress levels which, in turn, tighten our bodies and keep our minds spinning.

5. Be in the Moment. Most of us tend to be in our heads all day, thinking of all the things we still need to do before Christmas Day. Energy spent thinking about what still needs to be done is wasted energy and it really ruins our experience of what is happening in the moment. Creating a plan and following it should help you be in the present moment as you will know that you have a realistic plan to follow and that you are chipping away at what needs to be done.

6. Create a soothing environment. It’s amazing how a calming environment can soothe a mood. Listening to relaxing music (whatever yours may be) while doing tasks at home or driving in the car to do errands can help to keep you calm

7. Be mindful of what you eat and stay hydrated. Yes, we all over-indulge over the holidays but we can still keep it somewhat in check. Eat your food slowly rather than shovel it down so that you don’t overeat. Make sure you get a selection of healthy foods on your plate that includes lots of leafy greens and fruit. And, yes, don’t forget to drink lots of water. It’s a good practice to alternate your holiday drinks with a glass of water to make sure you get your required intake.

8 MOVE YOUR BODY If you are a seasoned yogi, get to a class regularly or else roll out your mat for a 15- 20 minute practice on your own. Cat stretches, balance poses, seated twists and a few Sun Salutations can be a real game changer for your body and mind. If you are new to yoga or have never done yoga, you can do a few simple stretches to help keep your body limber. The key is to stretch in a way that includes all 6 movements of your spine. These 6 movements are: forward and backward movements, side stretches

(each side) and twists (again, each side) Doing all 6 movements puts your spine through its full range of motion and will not only help ease tension but will also stretch muscles that holiday travel and stress leave tight and stiff. Putting your spine through its full range of motion will also boost your energy levels by increasing blood flow to the large muscles that support the back, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and energized. What’s more, by moving your body in all directions around its central axis the spine you’ll feel more supple and free. A flexible spine clears the lines of communication between mind and body, helping you stay calm and connect with positive feelings like gratitude and joy.

Incorporating all, or even just a few, of these tips will help you make your way to Christmas Day with less stress and more enjoyment during this holiday season. The key is to always set some time for yourself and for your own health and well-being.

Heidi Pfleger has been a Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach for more than 30 years and a student of yoga since the age of five. Born and raised on a farm in the Paris area, Heidi ventured further afield to study Yoga around the world in her twenties and has since been sharing her experiences and continuing in her studies both on and off the mat. Heidi offers regular yoga classes and individual sessions as well as wellness coaching sessions and retreats throughout the year. For more information on her programs, contact Heidi at 519755-1447.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You are drawn to drama lately You have drama at work and also at home You have to look at yourself and see if you are the problem? If it isn’t you then it's time to cut out the people who are causing this for you. You will have some awkward conversations this week in order to solve this problem

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –You will be reminded of a lot of your past mistakes, this is not punishment, but instead to show you how to let go of them You want an easier, happier life Sometimes to move forward you have to go back first You have some special events coming up, do not avoid these you need to get out and socialize.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) – You have a lot of small issues piling up at work. You have to speak up and try to change what has become stressful for you. You cannot just walk away and quit, so time to face it head on You will feel better by the holidays if you face it all No shame in telling people you are struggling

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) Stop wishing your time away because you're not happy at the moment You have to decide what needs to be changed and just finally do it. You being unhappy is going to cause problems at home, work and in your health. You have people who can give you great guidance, but you just won't ask

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –People have been falling short of your expectations lately, including you You ask for signs and they are all around you but you just ignore them because you don't want to do the work Time to hold yourself accountable and gear up for a super busy month playing catch up

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You are making things more complicated than they need to be You have to get projects done at work, so do them You have to do work at home, so ask for help and get it done You need to go to parties you don't want to, but you will have to suck it up and go. The little things are important to complete so you can relax on holidays.

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - You will find magic and hope in all the things surrounding you. You will also be more giving and spend way too much. Be Careful on your finances You can be happy and still not spend money You will be asked to help out with a big project and even though there may be no money for it, you will love doing it

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You have big problems right now, but you also have all the tools you need to solve them Trust yourself You have a vacation to plan Yes, you can afford it and you need it for mental healing. You should make all your doctors’ appointments this week to get them all in time for the end of the year.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21 (Fire) – You will be feeling overwhelmed this week What would you like to do about it? There are things you need to know at work, ask for a catch up meeting with people higher up then you, then you will feel very accomplished by the weekend Just in time for some fun

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You have to have a serious conversation this week Things are piling up and you're afraid to say how you truly feel You believe they will not agree with you, but you are wrong. This person has some reservations also so a good talk will solve so many issues for you.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – Hold tight to your beliefs especially the ones that make no sense Your faith will be tested and so will some relationships this week You are cleaning out your closet and some people and some beliefs will not make the cut Tough choices have to be made or you will take this into the next week also.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – Never a dull moment for you as you near Christmas. You have projects and events and things you want to make You will keep yourself busy and fill your house with a lot of cheer You need to get out of your house and see other people’s houses You will want to celebrate everything

with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/