Rest, Rhythm, and Relationships Of the Holidays, Into the New Year

By Linda Penkala, Author, LMT

Optimum Health For Life

. http://www.lindapenkala.com/

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Rest, Rhythm, and Relationships Of the Holidays, Into the New Year

 Imagine entering the holidays with a calm, exciting feeling —not ushered in by dread or disdain, but with a peaceful sense that you are in control! Researchers share that December is the most stress-filled time of the year, but if you embrace resilience, the outcome is sweet! Here are the 3 R’s created for YOU this season.

Rest

Americans have dropped 1-2 hours of daily sleep over the last century, and sleep is critical for a strong immune system. Being mindful of reducing blue light and LED exposure before sleep, improves deep sleep. Additionally, maintaining a 60–68-degree temperature and having a very dark bedroom can aid in melatonin secretion. Calming and quieting your heart at night with gentle music, applying or smelling lavender or cedarwood oils, and enjoying Box Breathing are a trio of holistic heart health tools. Before bed, favorite herbal teas of chamomile or Sleepytime help soothe the mind/body connection.

Relationships

In the hustle and bustle of work, holiday parties, and family gatherings, a compassionate community need, may help neutralize stress by assisting others. Suppose children are in the equation; an even better way to teach them by empowering others who may need help during the holidays and beyond. Friendships are critical to heart health for men and women, but in different ways. Women bonding in laughter, joy, and sincere passion are blessed with less cortisol (stress hormone) and more oxytocin (happy hormone), thereby lessening CVD risks. Men, on the other hand, may be suffering from a “friendship recession,” as an American survey indicates their fewer social connections are impacting health and happiness. Being intentional in reaching out for that “human medicine connection” is ever essential now, with hugs and smiles.

Rhythm

Finding the beauty in the rhythm of seasonal shifts we see, smell, touch, taste, and hear is best appreciated with a heart of gratitude. Hearing a Christmas song or lighting a Menorah during Hanukkah can evoke family memories and continue family traditions. Taking intentional moments to pause and begin to slow down into the Winter to lessen stress is benefited by the rhythm of your breath! Finding your favorite breathwork app or technique, such as Box Breathing, 3-5-8, or Alternate Nostril breathing, helps in quiet prayer times to set the day in motion. Having a favorite scent combo like cinnamon/orange in a potpourri or oil diffuser helps calm your soul once home, to be present. For women, delegating tasks out, when stress mounts, is a gift that recognizes it’s an option to ask others for help. 

 May these 3 R›s carry you gently into the holidays, and beyond, making them more of a JOY than a chore for the family and friends you love and cherish!