The holidays have a way of pulling us in a dozen directions at once. Between shopping lists, social commitments, and the constant chatter in our minds, it’s easy to lose our footing—physically and emotionally.

In yoga, the phrase “stay grounded” gets tossed around a lot, but its meaning runs deep. To be grounded is to feel calm, stable, and present—to know that even when life swirls around you, you can stay centered and steady.

Being grounded can look like:

• Feeling focused and clear-headed

• Remaining unruffled by outside influences

• Standing tall and steady, both in body and spirit

• Aligning your posture and your purpose

• Centering yourself before reacting

• Drawing energy from your connection to something larger

When we spend too much time in our heads—planning, overthinking, worrying—we lose touch with that steadiness. The good news? You can come back to it with just a few minutes of mindful self-care each day. These simple practices can help you feel more anchored, joyful, and resilient throughout the holiday season.

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Self-Care Tips for Staying Grounded

Whether you’re prone to stress and anxiety or are managing a busy schedule while attempting to avoid over-indulge on sweet treats, here are seven (7) simple self-care tips to keep you cool, calm and collected throughout the holiday season:

1️⃣ Practice Mindful Eating — Nourish with Presence

Taking time to feed yourself with care can be a daily reminder to reconnect with your body. In Ayurveda, yoga’s “sister science,” winter is a kapha season—cool, damp, and heavy—so it’s helpful to balance it with warmth and movement.

Choose grounding foods like:

• Cooked root vegetables

• Warm soups and teas

• Warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger

At holiday gatherings, slow down and savor each bite. Before you arrive, pause to breathe and set an intention to do what feels right for your body. Notice the textures, flavors, and sensations as you eat. When you listen to your body’s signals, you’ll know when you’ve had enough—and you’ll enjoy your food even more.

2️⃣ Stay Hydrated — Your Body’s Simple Reset Button

Dry winter air can leave you feeling sluggish and foggy. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Staying hydrated helps your body eliminate toxins, improves sleep, and keeps your energy steady. Add a splash of lemon or a pinch of sea salt for a gentle mineral boost.

3️⃣ Bundle Up and Head Outside — Connect to Nature’s Steadiness 

It’s tempting to hibernate, but time outdoors—even ten minutes—can do wonders for your mood and clarity. As you walk, notice the sensations beneath your feet: the crunch of leaves, the firmness of the earth, the rhythm of your steps. Feel how the ground supports you.

✨ Try This: Take a short stroll and silently repeat, “I am steady. I am supported.”

If you prefer a guided pause, join me for a quick 5-Minute Grounding Reset—a mini-practice to help you release tension and reconnect to your center.

4️⃣ Meditate Daily — A Few Quiet Moments Can Change Everything

Don’t wait for January to begin. Even a few minutes of daily stillness can calm your mind and steady your emotions.

Try this simple breath meditation:

• Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly.

• Inhale gently into both hands, then exhale slowly.

• Repeat for 8–10 rounds.

Notice how your breath softens your body. You might be surprised at how quickly peace returns.

5️⃣ Soothe Yourself with a Warm Bath or Shower 

Water has a natural way of washing away stress. A warm bath with Epsom salts helps muscles relax and supports better sleep. No tub? A steamy shower can be just as therapeutic.

As the water flows, imagine it carrying away tension and fatigue. Visualize your worries slipping down the drain.

(For more ideas like this, see my Sanity-Saving Stress Solutions Guide—a collection of simple self-care tools you can return to all year long.)

6️⃣ Take a Few Grounding Breaths — Yoga You Can Do Anywhere

When you feel scattered, pause and take several long, smooth breaths. Try breathing with the So Ham mantra (pronounced “so hum”), which translates to “I am that.”

• Inhale “so” — feeling your chest expand.

• Exhale “hum” — letting the breath empty completely.

• Repeat for one or two minutes, letting each exhale lengthen naturally.

This quiet repetition can help you settle your nervous system and feel centered, wherever you are.

7️⃣ Stretch and Move Gently — Return to Your Body

A few minutes of gentle movement can shift you from “thinking” mode back into “being” mode. Try seated or standing forward bends, easy twists, or hip openers to release tension.

If you’re low on energy, rest with Legs Up the Wall for five to fifteen minutes. Feel gravity’s support and allow the earth beneath you to absorb your fatigue.

Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be powerful—it just needs to be consistent and kind.

Remember, you have the power to shape your experience—one mindful moment at a time. With a little care and attention, you can move through the holidays feeling grounded, calm, and present.

Be well!

Further Resources:
🌿 3-Minute Grounding Reset Video
🌸 Sanity-Saving Stress Solutions Guide
🌻 Upcoming Series: Standing Taller, Feel Better

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Wisdom Tree Yoga’s goal is to share the transformative benefits of yoga with real people living with real-life challenges. We welcome students of all levels, offering a safe, supportive environment that is inclusive, accessible, compassionate, and joyful. Join me, follow me, and stay in touch with me by clicking HERE.