December is a great month to re-connect with people you have been missing. Call or email your friends and family and remind yourself how much you are loved!

Aisha Alfa ~ Alfa Life Coaching

Breath out all the air from your lungs as often as you can so stale air can be replaced with fresh oxygen.

One of the easiest ways to make your holiday shopping less 
stressful is to park your vehicle waaayy down in the parking lot. 
Don't be a sucker for the close spot; you'll be idling your car or 
driving around in circles for much longer than it takes to walk. Plus, 
you'll burn a few extra calories, get some fresh air and lower your 
blood pressure because you won't be waiting and stressing. If it's 
really cold outside, running to the mall entrance is another great 
option!

Sara Hutniuk ~ Sweatmarks

Don't get frustrated if your mind chatter keeps distracting you when you're trying to meditate. This is normal. The more often you do it, the better you will get at staying focused on your breath. Practice practice practice!

Sita Dookeran ~ Meditation Expert

If you are wondering what you are going to do with those unwanted gifts you receive for Christmas because you simply don’t have room for another candle, be proactive. You don’t have to tell people you don’t want their gifts, just be specific with what you do want.  Maybe a goat or a chicken or a fruit tree. There are plenty of people in developing countries who would be glad to take care of these things for you if you don’t have the space.  www.worldvision.ca/gifts

Patti Phillips ~ Explore Life Coaching

Create a budget for the next 5 days and stick to it! You’d be surprised how succeeding with a realistic and simple goal can boost your confidence! Instead of buying that tea, bring one from home! Walk or take a bus instead of driving and paying for parking. It’s fun, easy and good for your wallet! Make a gift instead of buying on for someone on your list!

Aisha Alfa ~ Alfa Life Coaching

How to stay motivated? Write more. The mental approach to your 
health is probably the most underrated aspect. Most people don't 
inherently enjoy exercise or eating well, so they need to know how to 
push their buttons to get that behavior. If you're struggling, write 
down your goals for the entire day (this could include going for a 
workout, picking up groceries, eating a salad for lunch, attending 
meetings). It's your own accountability check list. There's something 
about writing that keeps it more binding.

Sara Hutniuk ~ Sweatmarks

Create a space in your home that is for nothing but yoga and breathing, even if it's just the size of a yoga mat.

Beth Martens ~ Yoga Expert

"If the thought of meditating seems too big right now, just start by taking 8 conscious breaths before you get out of bed in the morning. If you're paying attention to your breaths, you should notice them deepening as you go along, without having to force it."

Sita Dookeran ~ Meditation Expert

There are some universal meanings of each holiday, but what the holiday season means to you is unique. That is a question you will have to answer. By focusing on what is most important, you can take the time to find an answer and seek out joy in the simplest parts of the holiday season. How will you enjoy the holidays more simply?

Patti Phillips ~ Explore Life Coaching