Holistic Holidays: Staying Grounded in the Silly Season
The holiday season, often a time of joy and connection, can also bring stress, overindulgence, and a sense of imbalance. Recognizing these challenges, Shelbi Russell, founder of Body Mind Connection Massage, and regenerative agriculture advocate Brianna Taylor, recently shared their holistic strategies for thriving during the "silly season" in a podcast hosted by Markus Van Meter for Ouray Magazine. Their insights, rooted in mindfulness, nutrition, and balance, offer a roadmap to approach the holidays with intention and care.
Finding Balance in Body and Mind
"Don't overcommit. Take time out of your involvements to rest, eat well, and balance your diet," advises Shelbi Russell. Drawing from her medical massage and wellness expertise, Russell emphasizes the importance of managing holiday stress to prevent it from derailing physical and emotional health. Stress, she explains, can manifest in elevated cortisol levels, contributing to digestion issues, insomnia, and weakened immunity.
Russell advocates small but meaningful practices, such as mindfulness, physical activity, and touch therapy, to counteract holiday chaos. For example, she highlights the benefits of "NEAT" (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), explaining how small, consistent daily movements can help regulate the body's energy and promote well-being.
Eating with Intention
Taylor's approach to holistic living begins with what we put in our bodies. "Health starts in the soil," she says, linking her work in regenerative agriculture to the broader conversation about nutrition and sustainability. For Taylor, quality trumps quantity, and she encourages prioritizing nutrient-dense, organic foods over heavily processed options. "I'm a qualitarian," she states, advocating for "quality fruits, veggies, meat, and dairy" tailored to individual needs.
Taylor recommends nourishing the body beforehand to prepare for holiday indulgences. "Have a nutrient-dense meal before heading to a holiday party," she suggests. This practice reduces cravings for less nutritious offerings and supports digestion. For post-party recovery, Taylor encourages using probiotics and dense nutrition to reset the gut microbiome.
Redefining Moderation
Both women challenge the common refrain of "everything in moderation." "You can't do everything in moderation and expect great results," Russell explains. Instead, they advocate for consistency and intentionality in creating healthy habits. "Small daily practices lead to big life changes," she says, emphasizing the importance of meeting oneself where they are while striving for progress.
Taylor echoes this sentiment, adding that meaningful change requires readiness and dedication. "It's the compounding interest of consistent efforts that leads to success," she says, highlighting the importance of aligning actions with personal health goals.
Connection and Self-Care
Acknowledging the emotional challenges of the season, both women stress the importance of self-care and connection. For those experiencing loneliness, Russell suggests planning, setting boundaries, and nurturing the relationship with oneself. "The longest relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourselves," she notes.
Taylor advises finding community through shared interests, whether attending events like full-moon yoga or engaging with online groups. "You have to be willing to put yourself out there," she encourages, sharing her experiences and building connections through social platforms.
Tips for Travel and Resolutions
Traveling during the holidays presents unique challenges, from disrupted routines to exposure to toxins. Both Taylor and Russell recommend bringing essentials like filtered water bottles and nutrient-dense snacks to maintain health on the road. "Take a big emotional step back and stay objective with what you have," Russell advises, emphasizing flexibility and resilience.
As the New Year approaches, the conversation naturally turns to resolutions. Taylor's advice is simple: "Be consistent. Start small, but stay committed." Russell adds that psychological readiness is key. "If you want to make a big life change, start with small daily practices," she says, encouraging listeners to acknowledge and honor their progress.
Pulling It All Together
The insights shared by Russell and Taylor highlight the importance of intention, self-awareness, and community in navigating the holidays. By prioritizing holistic practices and embracing the body's natural wisdom, it's possible to turn a season of potential overwhelm into one of renewal and joy. As Russell aptly puts it, "Be slightly amused by it all. It's not that serious. We can have a really good time."