Have you realized that the holiday season is right around the corner? Ack! 

Instead of getting stressed out, try utilizing this three-part breathing exercise to try to take a moment for yourself so you don't fall down a hole of Holiday Despair. 

It’s quick, simple, yet surprisingly effective.

Continue to do this for about 5 minutes. During inhales think "peace." While holding the breath think "calm." During exhales think "release." 

There, that feels better, now doesn't it?

 

So, why is this so important? Why do the holidays get to us, and seemingly make everything around us go wrong? Well, it’s all about energy! Our feelings and emotions are all energy that we send out to the Universe and what we send out, we get back. This is simple science. Like attracts like. Negative emotions and anger will only beget negative emotions and anger.

We need to make sure that we stay calm around the holidays because we are interacting with so many different people! We have family, friends, coworkers that we’re dealing with, and you’ve guessed it, it’s a LOT of energy to take in and work with. By making sure that WE are on our “best behavior” we will be able to gently influence those around us, as well as show the Universe that we are ready and OPEN to receiving positive, happy energy. 

It’s important to start a regular breathing or meditation practice now, before the holiday season is in full swing so we have it ingrained within us to react to “negative” situations with grace. This season has a stereotype that it must be stressful, but we don’t have to buy into it.  In fact, we can show that the stereotype is just that and show everyone around us that this season is really for good will, family, friendship, love, peace, clarity and a rebirth before the new year.  Remember, it’s as simple as 1-2-3!