End-Of-The-Year Zen

Stay calm and carry on this holiday season with eight tips and tricks that will help you stay relaxed and nourished, so you can end the year on a high note.

1. Embrace the season.

Take time to stop and breathe in the seasonal scents, like pine, cinnamon and nutmeg. You can even use these aromas as reminders to pause and enjoy the moment.

2. Take a look ahead.

Instead of a New Year’s resolution, choose a word that will help bring intention and clarity into 2025 and serve as a simple reminder of your goals. You can keep the word posted on a sticky note next to your mirror or desk as a reminder. Some thought starters: thrive, peace, align, resilient, nourish and calm.

3. Stay nourished.

With parties and sweets galore, it’s important to stay nourished and full with nutrient-packed and flavorful dishes, like this Warm Kale, Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad.

4. Treat yourself.

Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a tasty snack, these Matcha Smoothie Bowls are a delicious treat packed with flavor and protein to help keep your spirits bright.

5. Make time for mindfulness.

Meditative breathing exercises can help you feel refocused and calm — and don’t require much time. One easy and quick breathing exercise is known as box breathing: breathe in slowly for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then exhale slowly for four seconds and hold for four seconds. Repeat three to four times.

6. Schedule time for yourself.

Block out time on your calendar for something you enjoy that restores your energy. This could be anything from exercise, reading a book, catching up on a show or taking a well-deserved nap.

7. Set realistic expectations.

Whether it’s the amount of traveling you can handle or preparing food for a party, don’t stretch yourself too thin. When possible, plan ahead, but don’t be too hard on yourself if that’s not possible.

8. Show your thanks.

Leave a basket of prepackaged snacks on your porch or outside your door with a sign of thanks for delivery drivers, mail carriers and trash collectors.