Finding Your Center in the Holiday Whirlwind: A December Self-Care Guide
- Stacie Ringleb-Krutilek
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The scent of pine, the twinkle of lights, the warmth of cocoa—December is a magical time! But let's be honest, it's also a marathon of to-do lists: shopping, parties, baking, travel, and trying to squeeze a lifetime of catching up into a few short weeks.
This month, instead of letting the holiday rush drain your battery, let's intentionally use our yoga and wellness practices to anchor ourselves in the joy and peace of the season.
Three Simple Practices to Gift Yourself This Month
Here are three ways to weave self-care into the fabric of your busy December days:
1. The 10-Minute Anchor: Gentle Movement
You don't need an hour-long class to feel grounded. Try this simple sequence:
Cat-Cow Flow (2 minutes): Start on all fours. Inhale as you drop your belly and lift your gaze (Cow). Exhale as you round your spine, tuck your chin, and press the ground away (Cat). This simple movement releases tension in the lower back and shoulders.
Child's Pose (3 minutes): Bring your big toes together and spread your knees wide. Sink your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms out in front of you (or rest them by your sides). Allow your forehead to rest on the mat or a block. This pose is a deep nervous system reset—it tells your body it’s safe to rest.
Legs-Up-The-Wall (Viparita Karani) (5 minutes): Scoot close to a wall, swing your legs up, and lie down so your back is flat on the floor and your legs are resting straight up the wall. This is a restorative powerhouse. It calms the brain, relieves tired legs, and gently reduces blood pressure.
2. The Power of Presence: Mindful Breathing
Before you rush to the next task, try this quick breathwork practice—even while standing in line or waiting for the kettle to boil!
Four-Square Breathing (Sama Vritti):
Inhale slowly for a count of four.
Hold the breath for a count of four.
Exhale slowly for a count of four.
Pause before inhaling for a count of four.
Repeat this cycle 5-10 times. Even a minute of this resets your focus and calms an overstimulated mind.
3. Nourish Your Joy: Holistic Wellness
Self-care isn't just about movement; it's about what you consume—mentally and physically.
Stay Hydrated: Cold weather often masks thirst. Keep a festive mug of hot water with lemon or herbal tea nearby.
Schedule "White Space": Block out 30 minutes in your calendar with no purpose. No scrolling, no cleaning, just quiet time for reading, listening to music, or simply staring out the window. It is essential recovery time.
Prioritize Sleep: Resist the urge to stay up late finishing tasks. A well-rested you is a more patient, joyful, and resilient you.
Your December Invitation
This month, we invite you to give yourself the gift of balance. Our online studio is offering a special series of Restorative Yoga and Guided Meditation classes designed specifically to combat holiday fatigue.
👉 Aspen Fitness Yoga-YouTube Channel new videos each week in December.
Don't wait until January 1st to commit to your wellness. Start today by choosing one thing from the list above to practice. See Aspen Fitness Yoga website for additional classes and wellness workbooks.
Happy December, and may your days be filled with peace, warmth, and grounded joy.
In peace and wellness,
~Stacie
Aspen Fitness & Nutrition
Aspen Fitness Yoga
920.345.6933
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