Donna Karan's Tips for Staying Calm Throughout the Holidays

Can you believe the holidays are here? While the holiday spirit is one of love and joy, it’s hard not to get stressed with all the chaos that swirls around them—the planning, the gift shopping, list making, party going, card sending, family and friend visiting, and on and on. It doesn’t matter how organized you are or aren’t, you can’t help but worry that you’re forgetting about something or, worse, someone you love. Yet it helps to stay as centered as you can. To stop, breathe, and give yourself a few minutes of peace and quiet so you can collect yourself in the midst of whatever is going on. For me, it’s the only way to get through the yearly holiday madness. Here are the top five suggestions to find calm among the chaos.

1. Yoga

I start every day with a yoga practice. It sets the tone and centers me for what’s ahead. It’s also a great stress reliever because there’s nothing you can do but follow the teacher and engage in the poses. During the holidays I need that “me” time more than ever.

2. Meditation

It’s so private that no one even knows you’re doing it. It only takes a few minutes of listening to your breath or repeating a mantra to calm a racing heart. I can meditate anywhere—the back seat of a car, in a doctor’s waiting room, between appointments—and I immediately settle down and come back to the stillness within.

3. Friends and Family

I love, love, love spending quality time with my friends and family. It can be a private dinner, just hanging out, or finding a corner at a party where we can really talk. The holidays give you the opportunity to have that one-on-one time together.

4. Visualizing What Lies Ahead

There’s a great moment when my family and I all arrive at our home in Parrot Cay, and there’s nothing more I can do but enjoy being with them and exchanging gifts. It makes me smile just thinking about my grandkids waking up all excited on Christmas morning.

5. The Urban Zen Marketplace on Greenwich Street in NYC 

This is our third annual Soulful Economy Market Place, where we turn  Urban Zen into a winter wonderland of artisan objects of desire from all over the world. Here’s why I love it: there’s something original and special for every age, every price and taste level, and every person on the list (including gifts to give yourself). So you can get all your shopping done in one beautiful and festive place. Every purchase goes to help support an artisan community and advances what I call “a soulful economy.” We’re located in Greenwich Village, one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city, with wonderful places to eat nearby. So you can make a day of it, and get all of your shopping done and over without schlepping all over the city. Then you can get back to enjoying what truly matters most—spending time with those you love.

Wishing you and your family joy, peace, & lots of calm in the merry chaos!

Love,

Donna

Photos Courtesy of Urban Zen

Editor’s Note: ALOHA is a proud contributor to the UZ Holiday Market