Find Joy This December: 3 Daily Gems to Reduce Stress and Renew Your Energy
Welcome to December's Three Daily Gems,
my monthly blog where I share three ideas, insights, or practices to help cultivate happiness, connection, and well-being as we wrap up the year.
Each month, I focus on a theme that resonates with the season. This December, let’s explore reflection and renewal—two transformative practices that help us pause, take stock of the year, and prepare for a vibrant, joy-filled 2025.
As the founder of Dance Your Bliss, I know firsthand how powerful embodied practices can be for deepening our connection to ourselves and sparking authentic joy. This month, I’ll share three gems inspired by movement, mindfulness, and connection—tools to help you navigate this busy season with grace and gratitude.
Without further ado, here are December’s Three Daily Gems:
1. Reflect Through Movement
Reflection isn’t just about thinking—it’s about feeling, and movement can help unlock insights that the mind alone can’t always access. In Dance Your Bliss, we invite the body to tell its story, allowing feelings and experiences to flow through creative expression. Research supports this: studies show that somatic practices can reduce stress, improve emotional clarity, and enhance overall well-being.
Action Step:
Set aside 10 minutes for a free-form movement practice. Start with a single question: “What did my body carry through 2024?” Then let your movements answer—whether it’s flowing, shaking, or dancing. Afterward, take a moment to journal what came up for you.
2. Renew with Restorative Joy
The end of the year invites us to slow down and reset, much like the rhythms of nature. But renewal isn’t just about rest—it’s also about joy. Dance Your Bliss teaches us to tap into playful, restorative movement to rekindle our spark. Even a few minutes of joyful movement can shift your energy, reduce stress, and boost creativity.
Action Step:
Create a “Joy Playlist” of three songs that light you up. Dedicate 15 minutes to dancing, moving, or even just swaying to the music—without judgment or choreography. Let it be messy, wild, or gentle—whatever your spirit needs.
3. Connect Through Shared Expression
The holidays remind us of the beauty of connection—both with others and with ourselves. Dance Your Bliss emphasizes that authentic connection often begins with shared creativity and vulnerability. Moving together, whether in a group or with a loved one, can deepen bonds and cultivate gratitude.
Action Step:
Plan a movement circle or dance session with a friend or family member. Begin by sharing one thing you’re grateful for about the other person, then take turns mirroring each other’s movements as a way to connect beyond words. You’ll be surprised by how uplifting and unifying this practice can be!
Take-Home Thought:
As we close out the year, remember that transformation begins with small, intentional steps—whether it’s moving your body, expressing gratitude, or simply pausing to reflect. Dance Your Bliss reminds us that joy and renewal live in the present moment, and that embracing our authentic selves is the most powerful gift we can give to ourselves and others.
What are your “Three Daily Gems” this month? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Wishing you warmth, peace, and a joyful December,
