The holidays can be joyful, but they often bring stress, especially around family gatherings. Expectations, busy schedules, and emotional triggers can leave us feeling drained instead of delighted. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay grounded in the present moment. Take a few deep breaths before responding, listen with compassion, and release the need for perfection. Remember, it’s not about creating a flawless holiday, but about being fully present with those you love. Give yourself permission to slow down, find gratitude in small moments, and approach each interaction with kindness…for others and for yourself. That’s the true spirit of the season.
Community News
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
Are You Always in ‘Fight or Flight’ Mode?
Massage therapy is undeniably effective at getting people tapped into their parasympathetic nervous system, which is more commonly called ‘rest and digest’. Unfortunately, many spend most of their days in ‘fight or flight’! When the parasympathetic nervous system is in charge, blood pressure and heart rate lower, breathing is fuller, oxygen and blood make it deeper into the body, tissues repair themselves, organs do their jobs better, and overall, mental health is much more relaxed and content. It’s not hard to understand why being in ‘rest and digest’ is more conducive to recovery, management and being better prepared to handle what life throws at us!
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Finding Calm This Holiday Season
Reiki can be a calming and supportive practice for easing holiday anxiety. During the busy season, emotions often run high, and Reiki helps restore balance by promoting relaxation and grounding. Through gentle, hands-on or distance energy work, Reiki encourages the body’s natural ability to release tension and emotional stress. Many people report feeling lighter, more centered, and peaceful after a session. It can also enhance mindfulness, helping you stay present amid the chaos of gatherings, travel, and expectations. Whether received from a practitioner or practiced for self-care, Reiki offers a simple, nurturing way to reconnect with calm during the holidays.
The Power of saying NO!
The ability to say NO is an integral part of our wellness and self-care. Many of us have learned that saying no is “wrong” and worry it leads to criticism and people not liking us. When we feel compelled to say yes, even when it’s not in our best or highest interest out of duty, approval, niceness or fear of rejection, we dis-honor and rob ourselves of being fully authentic and begin building up resentments. When we dare to speak our truth and say NO we choose YES sincerely from an open heart and enthusiasm. People learn to trust exactly where they stand with you… both in your no’s and yes’s.
The Green Book of Life
Today we want green and healthy lifestyles and to be better stewards of our planet. We look for nutritious foods, relaxation techniques, and renewable products to accomplish this. Yet all of
this only addresses the physical aspects of life when in fact we are also spiritual beings. The “Grail Message” teaches us about the cosmic laws that not only govern nature but all of Creation and our place and responsibility as we journey through life. This “green” book reveals the true meaning of life and opens the door to true happiness and lasting inner peace.
Cold Storm to the Rescue!
Have a cough? Cold? Flu? Cold Storm is your all-in-one support for your immune system. Boost immune without killing your healthy flora/bacteria. Cold Storm from Strauss® is a black, aged, fermented garlic to help kick colds and flus within 24 hours for all ages. The only bottle you need for the whole family! Kids finicky with taste? No problem!! Rub cold storm on the bottom of their feet to absorb through the pores into the blood stream for same affect. Have a happy cold and flu season this year!
Comfort for the Holidays
The holidays are a time for family, comfort, and care. Choosing home care allows your loved one to enjoy the warmth of familiar surroundings while receiving professional support. Registered nurses, care aides, and support workers ensure health and safety, while physiotherapy and footcare help maintain mobility and comfort. Respite care also gives family caregivers a well-deserved break to recharge and enjoy quality time together. Personalized home care brings peace of mind, independence, and joy, helping your loved one stay healthy and connected during the festive season. Celebrate the holidays with the care and compassion they deserve.
A Healthy Holiday Season to You
The holiday season, while intended for rest and connection, often introduces significant demands such as gift preparation, meal planning, and social coordination, which can contribute to elevated stress levels. It is essential to recognize the importance of seeking assistance, delegating responsibilities, and communicating stressors with supportive loved ones. Relying on others does not signify inadequacy but promotes psychological well-being. Additionally, maintaining self-care behaviors is crucial, as these are often neglected under stress. Ultimately, prioritizing one’s mental and physical health is the most valuable gift one can offer loved ones during this holiday season.
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