One of the things I have learned this week is how important connection is to me.
I’m guessing that in the back of my mind, I knew it, but not really recognising the significance of it.
Teaching my Face-to-Face Classes on Friday brought this right into the forefront of my mind —
seeing everyone, teaching and moving together, getting hugs, laughing together, it felt pretty amazing, and gave me a feeling of calm, and we certainly need a time for ‘calm’ at this time of year.
At this time of year it’s easy for our homes to become a storage space, a conveyor belt of wrapping paper even, and if you’ve been making Christmas cards and decorations with grandchildren … a glitter explosion! One minute you can be calmly writing a card, the next thing you
find yourself knee-deep in gift tags wondering who has the good scissors and trying to find the end of the sellotape! However in the middle of all this merry mayhem, there are three things that can quietly keep us well — slowing down for a moment, connecting with our favourite people, and having a good laugh whenever possible.
So let’s start with the mindful bit, because even on the busiest days, taking a few slow breaths can start to reset the whole system. It is amazing what
happens when you pause — shoulders drop, the brain remembers it’s attached to the body, and suddenly the to-do list feels slightly less like a bossy elf! Taking a pause to simply breathe, provides a moment of presence which allows the nervous system to settle, energy softens and the mood lifts.
Then there’s the magic of other humans. Spending time with people we genuinely enjoy gives our wellbeing a boost that no supplement can match. A cuppa with a friend, a chat with a
neighbour, a family gathering where something in the oven is probably going to end up burnt and forgotten about (speaking from personal experience). But it’s these moments that help to lower stress, steady the nervous system and remind us we’re not doing December alone. These connections make everything feel lighter, even the wrapping! I even felt a connection with my Delivery chap today — he looked frazzled as he dropped another parcel off at our door, so we had a bit of a chat, we made each
other laugh, and he went away with a smile on his face.
But finally, laughter. The good kind — the one that makes your belly wobble and your eyes water. It’s one of the most underrated health tools we have. A silly Christmas jumper, a dodgy cracker joke, or the friend or family member who always brings the chaos… all of it releases tension and gives your body a happy-hormone sparkle. Think of laughter as December’s natural medicine — side effects may include snorting, aching
cheeks, shoulder shaking and temporary loss of dignity!
So as you move through the festive season, sprinkle in these three little essentials — a pause, a person and a good giggle. They won’t wrap the presents for you, but they’ll absolutely help keep you feeling well, grounded and wonderfully human.
Have a good week everyone — keep looking, moving, and feeling good.
With love and support,
Jane
xxx