Updated December 2023:
Do you ever get messages from multiple sources and they are all telling you the same thing? Well, I have and the message is SLOW DOWN and be in the flow!
I love the holiday season . . . the lights, the songs, the gatherings with friends and family, the holiday cheer! It’s a truly beautiful and magical time of year.
However, it can also be very challenging for many people. We can often feel overwhelmed, rushed, tired, and stretched too thin. And certainly, celebrating in 2023–the state of world affairs–comes with its own sets of challenges.
This time of year, we are meant to slow down, go within more, start hibernating a bit. In Feng Shui, we will soon be moving into the Water element which is all about stillness, quiet, self-care, contemplation, and rejuvenation.
And yet society asks us to DO MORE this holiday season. More parties, more obligations, more presents, more cards, more eating, more drinking, more “things” on the to-do list. No wonder so many people get sick once the holidays are over. Their bodies are exhausted by all the pushing and over-doing! (And always, we REALLY want to support our immune health!)
Instead, what if we focus more on doing less, taking items off our to-do list, creating more opportunities for self-care, being present with our loved ones, and maybe even saying NO to anything that does not truly lift our spirits.
I know I need my own reminders to slow down and so I got inspired to do my “Twelve Ways of SLOWING DOWN this Holiday Season.” I hope they inspire you!
May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and peace.
In health and gratitude, Michelle Dwyer
On the 1st day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . a minute break to do nothing!
I know slowing down can be challenging, especially during this time of year. So I thought we’d start small: let’s take
Today, for *just one minute* practice taking a break. You can look at something beautiful, close your eyes and just breathe, or do nothing.
On the 2nd day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . a moment to fill up your own cup first so that you can give from the overflow!
It may be helpful to take a moment to scan and see how full is your cup right now. If it’s feeling a little empty and depleted, see if there are some small ways to nourish yourself and fill it back up. Could be a chat with a friend, a walk around the block, a delicious and nourishing meal.
And remember, self-care is not selfish. If you are not taking care of yourself, then it is hard to show up in all the ways you want to as a person, whether that’s at work, with your family, or for your community.
Want to take this on deeper level? Consider joining my next Whole Life Nourishment group starting in the new year! https://healthcoachmichelle.com/nutrition/whole-life-nourishment-changemakers/
On the 3rd day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . the encouragement to schedule ONE treat for yourself some time in the next few weeks.
Could be an acupuncture appointment, a massage, a pedicure, a hike with a friend, a restorative yoga class, or some time at an (outdoor) cafe to just read a book. You don’t have to necessarily schedule this for now (although you could!) but take a moment to get something on your calendar. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
On the 4th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . do some stretches or a little yoga!
Doing the “legs up the wall” pose or Viparita
On the 5th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . the idea of giving presence instead of presents.
A recent study “suggests that small acts of kindness, not grand overtures, make people feel most loved and supported.”
Check out this great article to help bring some perspective this holiday season about gift-giving. It’s a great breakdown of how many people experience more stress during the holiday season and how the antidote is slowing down, connecting with people more, and taking good care of yourself.
What is your favorite way to connect with people during the holidays?
On the 6th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . a moment to contemplate the beauty of nature!
Connecting with nature is a beautiful way to slow down and be more present. And it can be free and easy! This can be as simple as noticing the sunrise or sunset, a bird in a tree, the way the light comes in your kitchen in the afternoon. I’ve
What sights of nature have you noticed lately and how did you feel?
On the 7th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . new and old traditions!
One of the things that can make the holidays so special are the traditions that are passed down. Whether it’s lighting the candles, singing songs, decorating the house, or making special foods, most of us can think fondly of new or old family traditions.
That said, certain traditions, when they start to feel like a “should” rather than a true heart’s desire can take some of the magic out of the tradition and make it feel more like a chore or creates stress instead of joy.
So I encourage you this holiday season to check in on your traditions . . . what makes you feel joyful? What’s fun and easy? What feels truly special? And what
Or maybe it’s time to make a NEW tradition, one that creates more moments of calm and presence and joy and ease!
I would love to hear what traditions you cherish and maybe which ones you have let go of.
On the 8th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . the gift of reading a good book!
Reading a really great book is personally one of my favorite ways to slow down and get some time for myself.
Many of you may not know, but before becoming a holistic nutritionist I was an English teacher and have MA in literature. I love love love books!
I usually read fiction over non-fiction but I do love a well-written memoir or biography. Women’s lit, multicultural American lit, African-American lit, Sci-fi and dystopian lit, spiritual books, modern lit, chick lit—I love it all! I love when I can fall into a book, and I love when I am so into a book that I can’t wait to get back to it.
Do you love to read? Do you find it relaxing? What is one of your favorite books?
On the 9th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . a great online program about how to LIVE IN THE FLOW and create more happiness, wealth, health and love in your life!
As I was thinking about different tips and strategies for slowing down this holiday season, I realized this is something my colleague Jill Lebeau and I have already put together in our uplifting and energizing online program called Live in the Flow: Manifest Happiness, Wealth, Health & Love!
On the 10th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . 50 ways to take a break!
Really. Go take a break. You’ll be glad you did! What’s your favorite way to take a break? I love these ideas because they can be really simple.
What’s your favorite way to take a quick break, even in the “busy” holiday season?
On the 11th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . a simple, nourishing meal.
I know with the rush of holidays and the onslaught of sugar everywhere, it can feel challenging to take the time to slow down and eat a nourishing meal. But trust me, your body will thank you for it!
One of my favorites is this Tuscan Bean Soup with Kale. I usually use poultry seasoning instead of the individual spices and it turns out great.
This recipe is vegan (minus the parmesan cheese) but you can also add grilled chicken or use bone broth if desired.
On the 12th day of SLOWING DOWN, my true love of self gave to me . . . wishes for a wonderful Winter Solstice!
Usually around December 21 is the first day of winter and from this point forward, each day we will have more light. Although many traditional celebrations this time of year focus on the importance of bringing the light into the darkness, I think it’s important to also honor what darkness brings as well: rest, rejuvenation, magic, mystery, and dreams.
And just like the new year celebrations, the Winter Solstice is also a time to focus on all the good things to come in the new year. I wish you and your loved ones all the love, joy, and peace of the holiday season!
I love these suggestions! What an important reminder this time of year. Thank you, Michelle!
I’m glad you find them helpful!! I feel like *I* need the reminder every year too!! I’m getting better and better at slowing down and it’s really changed the whole month!
This is such a gift! Thank you.
You’re so welcome!! I’m glad you find out it helpful!