Juli Hicks encourages you to adjust your inner dialogue and breathe ease into the holidays
![Getty Images 1333980160](https://cdn.mimivanderhaven.com/images/articles/_articleThumb/GettyImages-1333980160.jpg?mtime=20221208153341)
By Juli Hicks, Certified Life Coach
How are you breathing as we count down the days until Christmas? Do you feel like all the extra holiday demands are suffocating you?
When I start to feel overwhelmed, it would be easy to skip the practices that nourish me. However, I know when I do that, I not only suffer but those around me start feeling the effects, too. For many years I clung to my holiday to-do lists in desperation. Regardless of the costs, I had to get it all done and it had to be perfect. Needless to say, I had little holiday spirit for many years.
The Latin word for “spirit” is “spirare,” which means “to breathe into.” I now intentionally breathe spirit into the holidays by taking care of myself. A morning cup of coffee, yoga, and meditation do it for me.
Regardless of your life circumstances or how much time you have, I encourage you to not compromise on doing the things that fortify your spirit.
![](https://cdn.mimivanderhaven.com/images/uploads/Juli-Hicks.jpg?mtime=20221108145607)
We all get inspired in different ways. For you, it could be a daily devotional, running, being out in nature, or art.
Regardless, it’s important to identify what works for you and just do it. Do it regularly and especially during the holidays.
I still have times when I can feel my shoulders start to creep up to my ears. Regardless of the source of stress, I come back to ease by finding my breath and by doing this simple exercise:
I close my eyes and say to myself, “peace begins with me.” I often do this with an inconspicuous hand movement by gently sliding my thumb over each finger as I say the words. Peace—thumb touches forefinger. Begins—thumb touches middle finger. With—thumb touches ring finger. Me—thumb touches baby finger.
After just a few moments, I have set a more positive intention and I can resume my day with more peace, clarity and a renewed spirit.
Juli Hicks is a certified Life Coach. Contact her or sign up for her Flourishing after 50 program at JuliHicks.com.