Embracing Rest During the Holidays
As the holiday season unfolds, it brings with it joyful but often overwhelming feelings. Between family gatherings, gift shopping, and year-end responsibilities, this time of year is usually very busy. But as a yoga teacher, I encourage you to approach the season with a different perspective: one that prioritizes rest, reflection, and self-care. Because amidst all the hustle, rest is a gift that we too often forget to give ourselves.
The Power of Rest in Yoga – And in Life
In yoga, we practice savasana at the end of each session—a period of stillness where we let go of effort and simply be. It’s a short but vital part of the practice, allowing our minds and bodies to rest. During the holiday season, which is filled with constant stimulation, we need our own "savasana" moments more than ever. Taking time to rest can help us stay present, grounded, and less reactive to the external stresses around us.
Why Rest Matters – Especially Now
Resting isn’t just about recovering physically; it’s essential for our mental and emotional well-being. For many, the holidays can bring up mixed emotions, from joy to anxiety and even grief. Rest gives us a chance to process these emotions, to pause and allow ourselves to truly feel without rushing through them.
When we rest, we allow our nervous system to recalibrate. This is especially important during stressful or busy times. Rest is a form of self-compassion; it’s saying to yourself, “I am enough as I am, even when I’m still.” This mindset helps us avoid burnout, stay connected to our intentions, and show up more fully for ourselves and our loved ones.
How to Create Space for Rest
Rest doesn’t have to mean hours of doing nothing. In fact, it can be woven into your daily routine in small but meaningful ways. Here are some ideas:
Start Your Day Slowly Instead of diving into your to-do list, take a few minutes to sit quietly with your breath. This can be as simple as a few deep inhales and exhales, allowing yourself to connect with the day ahead before the busyness begins.
Take Mindful Pauses During a hectic day, try pausing for a moment. Close your eyes, breathe, and center yourself. These little breaks act as mini-resets for the mind and body, helping you stay balanced and grounded.
Practice Gentle Movement This season, consider shifting your focus from intense workouts to more gentle practices, like restorative yoga or stretching. Moving mindfully allows your body to relax, and these sessions can be just as rewarding as a high-energy routine.
Create a Restful Evening Routine An hour or so before bed, put down your devices and choose relaxing activities, like reading or sipping herbal tea. Allowing your body to unwind gradually can make for more restful sleep, which is critical to maintaining energy during this busy time.
Schedule “Nothing” Time Whether it’s a free afternoon, an evening, or even just an hour, block off time on your calendar specifically for rest. This time can be whatever you want it to be—no obligations, no expectations, just you.
Remembering That Rest Is Productive
We live in a society that often glorifies productivity and busyness, especially during the holidays. But rest is a productive activity too. It nurtures resilience, helps us process our experiences, and allows us to show up more fully in every aspect of our lives. When we rest, we’re not being "lazy"—we’re honoring a basic human need and setting ourselves up to give more to the people and things that matter most to us.
This holiday season, I invite you to embrace rest as an act of self-love. By making time for stillness and gentle moments, we not only gift ourselves better mental and physical health, but we also bring a more present, compassionate energy to those around us. Remember, rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially during this magical—and often chaotic—time of year.
Author Bio: Bridgette is a dedicated Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Nutrition Coach with a passion for holistic wellness. In her role as Partnerships Director for TAFT, she blends her expertise in health and mindfulness with her strategic skills, helping to build impactful collaborations that align with TAFT’s commitment to mental wellness and community support.
