As the Holidays are upon us and the year comes to a close, sometimes it feels like it’s just too much to handle. Whether you have family visiting, you are preparing to leave town, deadlines, parties, shopping, or all of the above; the holidays can be a recipe for exhaustion. The good news is, there are lots of simple things you can do to relax, restore, and renew yourself this holiday season.
Chi Gung is an ancient Chinese art form of simple exercises that increase “Chi” or flow of energy from within, using gentle body movements and deep breathing. By doing a few Chi Gung exercises you can relax and energize your body and mind quickly and easily.
Another simple way to rebuild gently is Restorative Yoga. This is a type of yoga that props up the body with pillows and blankets to form a yoga-type posture. Restorative Yoga has the effects of a yoga posture without the effort, just the benefits and a rest for the body.
Specific breathing techniques can calm the body and mind and increase energy by bringing fresh oxygen to the organs, and the brain. This takes 5 minutes but has profound effects on the body. There are also essential oils that can be inhaled as you do these techniques accomplishing specific healing effects. Eucalyptus can open sinuses and lung airways as well as improve health. In addition, orange oil increases brain function and is uplifting and an antidepressant.