As we find ourselves in the midst of the busy holiday season, things can be both exciting and stressful at the same time, so we spoke to two wellness experts from New York State’s Ulster County: Amy Reed, certified yoga instructor, wellness coach and teacher at The Yoga House; and Theresa Lyn Widmann, founder of Anahata Yoga and Healing Arts, who shared their top 10 daily tips to de-stress during these hectic times.

Spa & Beauty Today’s 2020 Holiday Beauty & Wellness Gift Guide

Known for its natural surroundings and the outdoors, as well as its residents’ longstanding commitment to holistic health and wellness, Ulster County features many yoga studios, meditation centers, hiking trails, and award-winning spas available throughout the region, including Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills, Mohunk Mountain House Spa, among others.

Spa Profile: Emerson Spa at Emerson Resort & Spa

Read on to learn the 10 ways that you can de-stress and find calm during the holiday season:

1. Build a Simple Schedule

“We are oftentimes so busy, especially when trying to balance, working from home, teaching from home and/or being a caretaker or parent from home. Life can be overwhelming very quickly. However, start by identifying when you can create more space and build it into an already existing part of your routine so that you are better able to commit to it. For example, if afternoon is better, end lunch five minutes early for a mid-day stretch, or if bedtime works best, give yourself a few minutes of meditation right after you’ve brushed your teeth. It can also be as simple as three minutes of conscious breathing and should be something that’s attainable so that you’re more likely to be able to fit it in. Start small.” – Theresa Lyn Widmann

2. Create a Wake-Up Routine

“Be dedicated and set a time every morning to take a few moments to deepen your breath when you wake up and create a personal, positive intention for your day. Regulate your breathing and keep it well paced, gently turning your affirmation over in your mind. Lift your sternum and set your eyes to the sky, then do a slow exhale. Remind yourself that deep, mindful breathing and focused-thought exercise is a resource that you can turn to at any point of the day, especially when you’re feeling that chaos or freneticism.” – Amy Reed 

3. Get Outside and Get Some Vitamin D

“We’re lucky in Ulster County to have the outdoors and nature’s most gorgeous resources accessible in our backyard. However, even for those who are living in urban locations, we can all get outside. Take advantage of the sunlight during the daytime—even if it’s for 30-minute walk before the winter sun sets. We are connected to our phones and laptops now more than ever since working from home, so it’s important to be exposed to the outdoors and get some sun. Take a moment to do some conscious breathing when you are outside and appreciate where you live.” – Theresa Lyn Widmann 

4. Be Conscious of Your Meals

“We all deal with stress in different ways, especially when it comes to nutrition. Stress can also greatly alter our personal eating habits. I’ve found that creating a simple game plan can help, such as preparing a healthy meal and simple snack option in advance, striving for balanced food groups and proportions, and setting aside scheduled downtime to dig in helps us feel more attuned to our nutritional needs.” – Amy Reed

5. Do Things That Bring You Joy

“In 2020, work may have changed and income may have changed. So, there is a need now more than ever to find joy and creativity from within. This can be an art project, listening to music, dancing, walking around the neighborhood, going for a run, cooking, finally diving into your reading list, and much more. Meditation or sitting still may not always align with everyone. Don’t force it. Do what brings you joy.” – Theresa Lyn Widmann

6. Say Hello to Your Neighbors (Even From 6 Feet Away)

“Ulster County is rooted in community. Even with winter coming up and we may think of the season as an isolating period, it’s important to be more mindful of your community outreach. Go for a short walk. Say hello to your neighbors—even when 6 feet apart. I have a 4-year-old daughter and we often take our sidewalk chalk and write ‘hello’ notes to our neighbors around town. Simple offerings of friendship and solidarity are key elements of yoga and fostering relationships helps each of us feel connected to one another.” – Amy Reed

7. Simple Shoulder Shrugs or Spinal Flexes

“You’d be amazed by what a little movement can do. Try shoulder shrugs mid-afternoon, whether sitting or standing, inhale lifting and squeezing your shoulders up towards your ears and then on the exhale just let them drop, sloughing off any of that stress or tension that has accumulated there. Spinal flexes are also extremely helpful and manage the energy flow throughout the body. Anyone can do it. Sitting with your hands on your thighs, inhale pushing your chest forward, shoulders back, then exhale flexing in the opposite direction. It’s an easy practice that can be done throughout the day and releases tension from the body. Set a timer and repeat for three minutes.” – Theresa Lyn Widmann

8. Reduce Your Screen Time

“It may sound hard, but put down your screen when you can. At the close of the day, move yourself away from the hyper stimulation. Find your breath and a try a simple and grounding yoga pose such as child pose or slow, seated stretches that will help to quiet the mind and soothe the body. These kinds of mindful exercises can calmly wrap and peacefully close your workday.” – Amy Reed

9. Brave for That Cold Rinse

“After your warm daily shower, try for a cold rinse at the end while simultaneously doing deep breathing. The breathing helps to keep the energy and heat of your body flowing, allowing you to build up a tolerance for the cold water. Start with whatever level of cold and for however long you can handle. Notice that over time, it gets easier and you may just look forward to it. Not only does taking a cold rinse get the internal heat of your body going, teaching your body to create its own heat, but it’s also good for your immune system and mental health. If you do this regularly, you’ll find it helps your body build more resilience to brave the colder climate and life’s ups and downs.” – Theresa Lyn Widmann

10. Looking Ahead to the Holidays and 2021

“When we move into the holidays and look into the New Year, it’s helpful to acknowledge the fact that this season will be different but that it’s OK. Find ways to mentally, spiritually, and physically stay healthy with the changing tides. Make time to virtually connect with your family, friends, and loved ones. You can even share your health tips with them and talk about how you’ve been able to change and adapt during this time. Inspire others to do the same.”  – Amy Reed

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk