This is the hardest month to practice self-care, sure.

But we also grow stronger as we keep moving through what is most difficult for us.

We conquer some of our own demons as we maintain our calm in the midst of a stressful time. When we can retreat into our own sense of self and find the nurture within, the stress and excess of this season does not have to push us over the edge leaving us feeling sore and achy from the Holiday battle.

For many, this becomes a month of guilt. In many ways. Family issues and food choices. Guilt is the greatest stressor of all. It is our own mind that is the enemy, not what is actually going on. So if we start with that premise, let's see how we can take good care of ourselves during this time and enter the new year in a positive and joyful spirit.

Self-Care and Nurture Tips for the Holiday Season.

For optimum wellbeing on the Holidays we need to practice optimum self-nurture and care. We cannot expect to feel great if we don't give ourselves the moments to gather our energy, relax our mind, and feed our body.

There are many stressors during the Holiday season so instead of focusing on all the things you are not getting done – focus on what you are getting done. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus on what you do have. There is always something!

Ways to nurture:

You can compile a list of things you enjoy to do and allocate them into how much time they take. As you stop for little moments to pause between the day's journey of tasks and obligations, you can ask yourself for just one little moment, ''What do I really need right now? What is my body asking me for?''

Feed your body:

• Make sure you get your daily share of green foods. These help you digest, keep your energy going, and allow our body to cleanse, enhancing your wellbeing, mood, and your nurture because of the many nutrients to be found in these foods. One way is to make sure there is always an extra sidedish of something green at your meal.
• Keeping the refined sugar out, so that you don't keep getting stuck in the sugarblues and cravings for more the next day.
• Add some sweet comforting root vegetables to enhance your ability to feel relaxed. This will also keep your sweet tooth nurtured rather than tortured.
• Get your sleep. Tired people are more irritable.
• Drink your water. Staying hydrated keeps energy up and cravings down.
• Limit stimulants = Have tea over coffee and keep alcohol to a minimum.

Nurture your soul:

• Take a break for a stroll in a park or a neighborhood you love. Remember to breathe in all in.
• Enjoy a quiet cup of tea. Alone.
• Go for a yoga class or the gym.
• Practice simple relaxation or meditation. Even 5 minutes makes a difference.
• Take a quite moment with a book instead of the TV. This will make you feel more sane and give you better sleep.
• Give thanks for what you have in your life and leave alone what is missing.

Balance your Life:

• Incorporate a daily routine of movement; even if it is just 5 min. stretching, walking, jumping up and down will do too.
• Do use your breath a lot to calm you and energize you. Throughout the day.
• Make fitness fun, and incorporate it in all the little chores you need to do anyway. Walk to the store, dance while you vacuum. Smile while dusting, and rushing :-)
• Speak your truth (gently). In the days of family gathering many unspoken words can end up becoming a cause of anxiety, anger and resentment.
• Ask for help. We are not separate from others, everything we do is connected.

Honoring traditions.

This is the month of traditions indeed - many different ones and they are all special for each of us in each our way. They have different meaning depending on our upbringing, culture, and religious beliefs or spiritual connection. Honor yours and honor other's too.

One tradition I am excited to honor is the one of sharing love and giving. Yes sometimes that means gifts, but it does not have to be for the sake of the gift, but rather the spirit of offering of something that brings joy. No matter what, if we can cut through the materialism of it all and just see the heart in it, then we can enjoy the simplicity of the Holiday traditions.

Giving the gift of health

One way to express your love and care - give the gift of health and nurture. Giftcertificates are available for all programs to help start someone you care about out to learn and discover a new path for health and wellbeing in 2008.