12 Days of Christmas Calm: 12 Wellness Tips For The Holidays

The holiday season will arrive before you know it, so before you even hear the next Christmas song, I want to gift you a little reminder: this holiday season is also about you and your wellness.

It can be easy to let the holiday hustle sweep you away so I’m giving you this special guide to nurture your mental wellness this Christmas season. 

Consider this your personal invitation to unwind, de-stress and rediscover the joy within. These 12 days of Christmas wellness tips are rooted in somatic exercises, designed not just for the season but as exercise you can do any time of the year.

What are somatic exercises?

Well, think of them as the bridge between your mind and body, a holistic approach to well-being that acknowledges the intricate connection between our physical sensations and psychological state. 

Somatic exercises aim to enhance self-awareness by focusing on the connection between body movements, breath, and mental well-being.

These exercises help you tap into the wisdom of your own body. When we're stressed or overwhelmed, our bodies often send signals – tension in the shoulders, a knot in the stomach, or a racing heartbeat. Somatic exercises encourage us to pay attention to these cues, offering practical ways to release tension, reset the nervous system, and foster a deeper connection between mind and body.

12 days of Christmas wellness

Amidst the gift-wrapping, carolling, and merriment, it's crucial to carve out moments for our own mental and physical well-being. Luckily, these 12 Christmas wellness tips are quick, easy-to-implement daily practices designed to ground you in the present moment.

Day 1: The Power of a Hug

Embrace someone you love for a full 12 seconds. Repeat as necessary.

Why it's good for you: Hugging, especially for an extended period, triggers the release of oxytocin, the "love/bonding  hormone." This somatic feedback fosters a sense of connection and safety, reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting emotional well-being. It's a tangible reminder of the power of human touch and its profound impact on our psychological state.

Day 2: Nature Walk Detox

Leave your phone behind and venture into nature for 20-30 minutes. Ground yourself in the present moment, letting the beauty around you become a remedy for the holiday hustle. 

Why it's good for you: Walking, especially in nature, engages your senses and provides somatic feedback to your brain. The sights, sounds, and smells around you become a grounding force, helping to alleviate stress. This mindful connection with nature has been shown to lower anxiety levels and enhance overall well-being.

Day 3: Posture Check

Take a moment to be mindful of your posture. Sit up, stand tall, and let the simple act of acknowledging and observing your posture bring you back to the present moment. 

Why it's good for you: Somatic exercises often start with the body because the mind and body are intricately connected. A simple posture check allows you to bring awareness to your body's signals. By acknowledging and observing your posture, you create a feedback loop of self-awareness, promoting a sense of grounding and alignment with the present moment.

Day 4: Freeform Movement

Channel your inner free spirit with freeform movement. Like the name, it’s an invitation to move your body in any way it wants you to and just let go. If you want inspiration, you can follow my cooked spaghetti exercise here. 

Why it's good for you: Freeform movement, like the cooked spaghetti exercise, encourages you to release tension by moving without constraints. This somatic release helps break the cycle of muscular tension, allowing for a more relaxed and centred state. It's a dance of liberation for your body and mind.

Day 5: The Butterfly Hug

Hug yourself for three minutes, then cup your hands and gently tap your body from head to toe. 

Why it's good for you: The butterfly hug combines self-embrace with rhythmic tapping, engaging the body's self-regulatory mechanisms. This somatic exercise not only promotes a sense of safety and self-compassion through the hug but also releases tension through the tapping, offering a gentle reset for both mind and body.

Day 6: Spread Positivity

Take a moment to write someone a heartfelt compliment. It's a small act that not only brightens their day but also adds a touch of warmth to yours.

Why it's good for you: Expressing kindness through a compliment creates a positive feedback loop. When you uplift others, you, in turn, uplift yourself. This exchange of positive energy contributes to a sense of social connection and reinforces the importance of cultivating a positive mindset for overall well-being.

Day 7: Tense and Relax

Engage in a tense-and-relax session. Similar to the cooked spaghetti exercise, tense and then relax each part of your body sequentially for 5-10 minutes.

Why it's good for you: The tense and relax exercise engage the body using deliberate muscular movements. This somatic approach promotes body awareness, aiding in the release of stored tension. The intentional cycle of tension and release serves as a grounding technique, bringing you back to the present moment.

Day 8: Silent Serenity

Sit in silence for five minutes. Allow the stillness to envelop you, bringing a sense of calm and tranquillity.

Why it's good for you: Sitting in silence allows your nervous system to recalibrate. It's a somatic pause that gives your mind a chance to rest and reset. This mindful stillness fosters clarity and inner peace, promoting a sense of tranquillity amid the holiday chaos.

Day 9: Distraction-Free Passion

Carve out an hour solely for something you love, devoid of distractions. Whether it's a hobby, a book, or simply indulging in your favourite pastime, let this time be all about you.

Why it's good for you: Immersing yourself in an activity you love without distractions provides a clearcut escape. This focused engagement promotes a state of flow, where you lose track of time and stress fades away. It's a powerful way to reconnect with your passions and prioritise your joy.

Day 10: Cold Plunge

Shock your system (in a good way!) by immersing yourself in an ice-cold bath or, if a bath isn’t available, a quick face dunk.

Why it's good for you: The shock of cold water creates a somatic response, activating your body's stress response and then allowing it to reset. This intentional exposure to discomfort can improve mood, boost alertness, and enhance resilience. It's a bold yet invigorating way to shake off stress.

Day 11: Validation Session

Spend a moment validating your needs. Whether in a journal or in front of the mirror, affirm: "I am here to feel it all, feel it to heal it."

Why it's good for you: Validating your needs through journaling or self-affirmation in front of the mirror is an act of self-compassion. By acknowledging and accepting your emotions, you pave the way for healing. This intentional validation reinforces that it's okay to feel and prioritise your well-being.

Day 12: Recall Kindness

Journal about a time when someone did something exceptionally kind for you.

Why it's good for you: Recalling a kindness in your journal engages your brain in positive memory retrieval. Inspired by positive psychology, this gratitude exercise has a ripple effect on your emotional well-being, fostering a positive mindset and enhancing your overall mood.

The holiday craze can come to us without a warning so equip yourself with these tips before you dive headfirst into the Christmas madness. 

These exercises aren't just for the holidays; they are your toolkit for year-round wellness. Wellness and healing doesn’t have a season - so save this webpage, bookmark it and return whenever you need a moment of peace. 

Remember, you deserve these moments of self-care and mindfulness.

Wishing you a season filled with love, joy, and above all, a sense of inner calm. Happy holidays!

Yours,

B