Self-Care for December

I can't believe how time is flying!   I don’t know about you, but my December is very full.  I have lots to do this month and there are lots of people who need lots of things from me.  I can imagine this scenario might be pretty similar for you too.  The holiday season can get pretty crazy.

This is when I do my best to remember the command from the airlines to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.  December is a good time to do this!  

Here are 4 Tips for Self-Care in December:

Go to bed early.  Seriously!  Do it.  Insufficient sleep is now recognized as a serious public health concern.  Unplug from the enticing holiday internet deals.  Lay your work aside.  Put your devices away at least an hour before bed.  Have a nice cup of tea and get to bed no later than 10 PM for a long winter’s nap.

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Stick to a daily routine for exercise.  Whether it’s yoga, walking, jogging, or a fitness class, keep it up this month.  You will feel better and be less inclined to over-indulge in holiday treats.  The endorphins you get from moving your body will make you feel uplifted and will make you a more pleasant person to be around.  If you want a short yoga routine: I have several you can download.  Look here and here.

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Do Restorative yoga.  When the pressure from the holidays gets to you, take a break and do some restorative yoga..  My favorites are Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (L) and Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall Pose) (R).  I love to do these poses in the later afternoon or right before bed. 

Drink warm, soothing beverages.  Here are two recipes that are perfect for this month:  Herbal Chai with warming spices and Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory Golden Milk.
               
Herbal Chai:
Place one star anise, 1/2 tsp black pepper, two small slices of fresh ginger, 1 tsp cardamom seed, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1/2 tsp cloves in small pot.  Add one quart water.  Bring to a boil.  Turn off heat.  Add 2-4 Rooibos Tea bags.  Serve with milk (dairy, almond, soy, etc.) and honey or agave nectar.

Spice and warm.  Stimulates digestion.  Tasty!

Golden Milk (better than eggnog!)
Heat 2 cups milk (coconut milk, dairy, almond or soymilk) with 1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric and 3-4 black peppercorns, and a dash of nutmeg and cardamom. Bring to a simmer and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste (if desired) with honey or agave.  Add a small spoonful of ghee for a rich buttery flavor.

Turmeric has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.  This is a great before bed drink. Simple, healing and delicious!

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