HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

4. Stay Connected (in all ways) –While it is important to stay connected with your inner Self, it is also important to stay connected with the people who mean the most to you Too much introspective time can lead to isolation and even depression It isn’t always easy to fully process what you are thinking and feeling inside Journalling can be very helpful but sharing what’s happening in your inner world with a friend, counsellor or Wellness Coach is often much more therapeutic and grounding. Finding a balance between your experience of your inner and outer worlds is an important goal to have, not just during the Holi-daze but in your daily life as well.

5. Spend Time Outdoors – Taking time to change your environment, move your body and breathe in fresh, cool air does wonders for your body, mind and spirit. Spending some time outside, even if it’s just for a 10 or 15 minute walk around the block can be both energizing and grounding. Better yet, take a walk in nature A 30 minute walk in the woods reminds us we are part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that can have a very soothing and grounding effect

6. Develop and Nurture an Attitude of Gratitude - One of the quickest and easiest ways to ground yourself during the holidays is to focus on gratitude. Numerous studies have found that having an attitude of gratitude promotes greater feelings of well-being – emotionally, spiritually and physically. Part of the reason for this is that, when we are in a place of gratitude, we are unable to experience any other emotion. It’s true! Try feeling grateful for something for a moment (keep it simple and think of just one thing) and notice how all negative feelings suddenly vanish. Feels good, doesn’t it? This is a simple but profound practice and a real game changer when it comes to your overall well-being. Sure, it can seem difficult to feel grateful when it feels like you’re sinking in a sea of stress and negative emotion but it really is quite simple Start by closing your eyes and focus on something very basic that you can be grateful for in the present moment. Be grateful for the fact that you are breathing, that you can hear, that you can see, that you can move, etc. Keep it simple and avoid any ‘buts’in your practice.

Being grateful for the fact that you have food in your fridge now but wondering how you will afford to put food in the fridge tomorrow doesn’t instill a calming vibe. Gratitude is to be practiced in the present moment and cannot factor in the future. Develop and nurture the practice of having a mindful and grateful moment whenever you feel overwhelmed, and you will start to feel much more relaxed and grounded Better yet, develop a daily practice of writing down at least 3 things that you are grateful for. Journalling in this positive way can make for a much positive mindset and manageable day. Before you know it, you’ll start coming up with more than 3 things to be grateful for!

Bonus Tip: Manage your Shopping

There is no doubt that, like me, you will have to go to all kinds of stores as you prepare for the holidays. Continued on page 23