Tracey Martin is a Sustainable Lifestyle Leader and author and has been a certified Transformational Life Coach as well as health, life and wellness advisor for more than 25 years. Tracey’s mission is simple, to protect our natural resources, planet, and our most precious resource: humankind. She is sharing her knowledge with us in this weekly column and this week Tracey is sharing with us ways to get the most out of the holiday season.
We are entering into one of the most stressful albeit joyous times of the year. Parties, dinners, holiday events and celebrating galore! All of this “fun” can take its toll on our mind, bodies and spirits. We take on more than we should. We say “yes” to everything on the calendar and we have a hard time saying “No” to one more Christmas cookie or dessert. A few helpful hints to remember to pause, relax, recharge and rejuvenate so you can really enjoy it all.
These are pretty simple. We seem to try and complicate everything. Including just taking a “breath” and pausing to be in the moment. After all, this season will go faster than we think. Before long we will find ourselves on the greens at the Phoenix Open and welcoming Spring!
1. Just take a walk – This is the simplest form of grounding yourself. You don’t have to “plan” on anything to make it happen. Stop what you are doing, lace up your sneakers and walk out the door. Breathe in and breathe out. Take a furry friend with you. Enjoy being outside. Our weather this time of year is magnificent.
2. Meditate – Meditation doesn’t have to be shrouded in mystery. How do I meditate? Am I doing it right? Get out of your head. We spend time getting our bodies in shape. How about our minds? It has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Find a quiet place (I have been known to meditate in my closet, if I have to). Sit comfortably and begin to breathe. Really focus on the in and out of each breathe. While you are doing this visualize “releasing anything that no longer serves you and let go” and then visualize what you “want more of.” Truly a mindful way to a peaceful state of mind. Here is a link to some of my favorite alpha brain wave music that will help you get started: youtube.com/watch?v=WPni755-Krg
3. Grab a green juice – I know, maybe you haven’t tried any that you like. Be willing to walk on the wild side. Some juices are truly revitalizing to the body and mental state. During this time of year we may not eat so clean. A green juice is always a way of pressing the “reset” button and boost the immune system. Especially if you are feeling a little run down from all the activities. Stay away from juices with a lot of fruit or sugar in them and go more for the greens. Below are some links to a few of my favorite spots in the Valley. Share your favorites with us. We LOVE trying new places!
truefoodkitchen.com/jubytrue (they have some of the best organic liquid alchemy in the valley)
Just remember to soak in all the fun, family, friends and memories. Be in the moment and be good to yourself. Laugh a little or a lot. Laughing is one of the best stress relievers. Don’t be too serious and stuffy. Laughing will trigger the endorphins and will make you feel good. After all, isn’t that what this time of year is about?
Sustainably Yours,
Tracey xo
If you have comments or questions you would like to see addressed in this column, please send them to info@fabulousarizona.com.
For a private one on one with Tracey text 602.568.4124.