Post-Holiday Happiness
The gifts have been opened, the cookies have been eaten, and Love Actually has been (re)watched.
There’s more joy to be had. A lot more.
In fact, some might say that this is the best week of the year.
With a few very notable exceptions (thank you healthcare workers, first responders, and hospitality/customer service/airline/postal workers), it’s universally accepted that no one is getting much business done this week.
Also, the pressure to get all those gifts purchased and wrapped? Gone. The pressure to eat healthier, give up alcohol and sugar, and exercise more? Delayed. The pressure to be social in any way whatsoever? Already addressed.
What’s left is a week of spaciousness. A week to do nothing (or everything you want). It's a week of freedom. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this precious, very necessary week of no pressure.
Sleeping in
Digital detox your room because you won’t be needing an alarm. Put some clean sheets on that bed, bust out your favorite pajamas, and snuggle in for a deep winter’s rest.
Lingering over coffee in the morning
Or tea. Whatever. Just take your time doing it. Enjoy the ritual of preparing it (because you don’t have to also pack lunches and return emails simultaneously). Find somewhere peaceful to drink it (perhaps by the fire). Relish every last sip (when was the last time you did that?).
Meandering walks
Without fitness agendas and time constraints, go with someone whose company you love and adopt a pace that feels great. Absorb the scents, sights, and other intricacies of nature. Pay no attention to your route. Be like a dog who wants to sniff every tree. You will return home transformed.
Stretching
This is not like the kind of stretching you do in power yoga. This is “the week between Christmas and New Year’s yoga.” Roll around on the floor. Resistance stretch to dispel the density of your fascia. Intuitively discover the areas of your body that are numbed out and just breathe with them. Oxygenate your toes. This is the stuff that will lengthen your lifespan.
Books
Among the "to read" stacks on our coffee tables/nightstands are:
Will by Will Smith
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
Self-care
Exfoliate. Have a bath. Massage nurturing oils into your skin. You will feel amazing and cared-for and glowing.
We hope this time between Christmas and New Years is nourishing and restorative, and that you give yourself all the gifts you really wanted. Happy Best Week of the Year.
image credit: Jonas Allert