Breeze through Christmas 🎄
Christmas can be stressful… we all know what it feels like when you are managing others expectations, burned roast potatoes and you’ve forgotten the gravy. Not to mention the present you forgot to wrap!
When life feels busy or overwhelming, especially around festive periods, your nervous system can become overstimulated without you realising.
This is one of the reasons I developed Somalates® because regulation doesn’t require long practices or perfection. Often, small moments of intentional support are enough to help the body settle.
Here’s are a few simple, one-minute options you can try throughout the day. You don’t need to remember them all.
Notice which ones feel comforting or appealing, and save them on your phone.
Think of them as quiet check-ins rather than fixes or hacks.
Hands Over Eyes
Rest your palms over closed eyes and breathe nasally for a minute. This reduces sensory input, creates calm and offers the nervous system a pause.
Jaw Softening
Lightly tap or stroke along the jaw, neck and temples for 60 seconds, noticing any release of clenching or holding.
The Long Exhale
Breathe in through the nose for a count of 4, then exhale slowly through your nose for a count of 6-8. This can help the body shift out of stress mode.
Gentle Humming
Hum at a comfortable pitch for up to a minute. The vibration can be soothing and supportive for nervous system regulation.
Standing Sway
Stand comfortably and allow your body to sway side to side at its own pace. Let the movement be natural rather than controlled.
Reorientation
Slowly move your head from side to side, and up and down, noticing your environment. This can help signal safety to the brain.
Ear Pull
Whilst sitting gently pull on the ear love and hold and then on the outer ear and then the top of the ear. This help activate the vagus nerve and relaxation response.
Gentle Rocking
Lying on your back, dear your knees towards to and hug them, then gently rock slowly side to side, allowing rhythm to soothe the system.
Legs Elevated Rest
Lie down with your legs resting on a chair or wall for a few minutes, allowing the body to feel supported.
You don’t need to do these, if one feels good, that’s enough.
Nervous system regulation is not about effort, it’s about offering the body signals of safety and support.
Tracy Richardson MSc is a movement and wellness specialist with a love for helping people reconnect with their bodies and minds. With a background in therapy, Pilates, and holistic wellbeing, she combines evidence-based practice with a nurturing, mindful approach. Tracy’s mission is to empower individuals to move with awareness, release tension, and cultivate sustainable health, strength, and inner calm. When she’s not teaching or writing, you’ll often find her walking her dog, practising Pilates, or sipping a calming cup of tea.
