It is this time of year that we tend to let things slide as the holiday frenzy begins.  Indulging is fun and so easy to do.  Maintaining balance is somewhat harder.  Remember that our bodies like to be taken care of in a way that offers maximum love and care to every cell.

Here are some very practical tips for keeping balance in our bodies while still enjoying the holiday cheer.

1. Stay on a regular exercise routine.  Increasing the length or intensity to compensate for the extra intake can lead to muscle strains and lead to down time.
2. Remember that indulging is not a bad thing, but gluttony can lead to the cells of our body being stressed trying to process the overload. Moderation and timing in consumption and activities can go a long way to keeping our bodies happy.
3. Try to balance the frolicking foods and drink with healthy replenishing foods, such as leafy greens to replace minerals and add roughage and water to keep us hydrated.  All those rich and tasty foods may need some help moving through our bodies, and water and fresh, deep greens go a long way to supporting our digestion.
4. Brain power also burns off some of those extra calories we tend to take in this time of the year.  Engage your mind in stimulating conversations or games – not only will you have fun but you can assist in keeping yourself in balance.
5. Balance in our body is not just about the foods we eat.  It can come in the form of taking time to make ourselves part of a loving community.  Enjoying ourselves with friends and family balances the energy flow within each and every one of us.

Nature can be our biggest mirror this time of year to maintain balance. In the northern hemisphere, towards the end of December we reach the shortest day of the year. During this time, nature shows us how to turn inward to restore and rejuvenate. Take a moment and gaze outside at the landscape and at the animals.  How have these parts of our world shifted? Is there a message for us in this shift?

The potential for emotional and physical rest and introspection is compelling. If we listen, our body will take every opportunity to let us know what it needs now.  If we allow ourselves to be distracted by the goings-on, then we may miss a grand opportunity to not only renew ourselves, but to connect to a part of our nature that is most accessible when the day is short and when everything around us (except us humans!) seems to be just a bit more calm.

The key here is keep from becoming sluggish and falling out of balance.  There are many New Year’s resolutions we can make. If we remember to keep in communication with our body we don’t have to resort to playing catch up with a resolution on a single day of the year.

Please blog us and share with all of our community how you have been taking care of your body this holiday season!

This Body Being is a loving collaboration by Laura Turlington and Luca DiMatteo.  We would like to extend a holiday wish to you, your family and friends of Love and Joy.  We hope that each of you has an experience that will not only stay in your memory but your hearts.  We know that the light that you send out will return to bring a smile to your face. Happy Holidays!

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