Restmas, But Make It Real: How To Stay Sane All December Long

’Tis the season … to be overwhelmed. While the holidays promise sparkle and joy, they also come with packed schedules, travel chaos, tense family dynamics, and the unspoken pressure to “keep it all together.” Enter Brea, the founder of Heart + Bones Yoga, whose refreshingly realistic approach to wellness is exactly what December needs.

Instead of lofty resolutions or hour-long routines no one has time for, Brea’s philosophy is built on tiny, doable habits—micro-movements, micro-rests, and micro-kindness—that help you stay centered, calm, and genuinely present through the busiest month of the year. Think of it as practical magic for your nervous system.

In this Q&A, we chat with Brea about her signature Restmas rituals, why “move in moments, not hours” might be the smartest wellness advice you’ll hear all year, and how small acts of compassion (especially for your future self) can completely reshape your holiday season. —Noa Nichol

Your mantra this season is “move in moments, not hours.” Why are tiny movement breaks so effective, especially during the holiday rush?

Because tiny movement breaks are the ones you’ll actually do. December is full of pressure and long to-do lists, and a 90-minute yoga class often gets pushed to the bottom. When you reframe what practice can look like—small moments of movement and mindfulness spread throughout the day—it becomes realistic and doable. And those little moments truly add up.

So many people say yes to everything in December. What are your best “say yes to less” strategies for protecting your time, energy, and nervous system?

When we say yes to too much, the nervous system gets overwhelmed, which often shows up as tight shoulders, jaw tension, or a general feeling of stress. One of the clearest ways to understand your boundaries is to notice how your body responds to a request. When someone asks something of you, check in: do your shoulders tense or your jaw clench? Or does your body feel at ease? Your body will always tell you where your limits are. The practice is learning to read those signals and then honour them.

You talk about resting before you’re exhausted. What does that look like in real life, and how can people spot the signs that their body needs an early timeout?

Most of us are used to pushing past early warning signs and only paying attention when we hit a red-flag moment like burnout. Instead, think of your signals like a traffic light. Don’t wait for the red light. Start noticing your “yellow lights”: feeling easily frustrated, snapping at the people you love, constant tension in your shoulders or belly, trouble focusing, or looping thoughts. Once you recognize your personal yellow lights, you’ll know it’s time to slow down before things become unsustainable.

What are a few simple, anywhere-friendly moves to “undo the posture of stress”—especially for those dealing with travel days, kitchen marathons, or marathon Zoom calls?

We often think we need a yoga mat or an hour at the gym to feel better, but 1–2 minute moves throughout the day can make a real difference. Do shoulder circles or neck stretches at your desk. Stretch your shoulders and chest against the kitchen counter while the kettle boils. Take “walk and talk” phone calls. Stand up and roll out your ankles during Zoom meetings. These little movements quickly shift how you feel, which makes the habit easier to stick with.

Restmas is all about making December gentler. What inspired the program, and what surprised you most about how people respond to it?

We’ve been celebrating Restmas for 10 years at Heart and Bones Yoga. It began when my son was five and I was tired of feeling overwhelmed every December. I decided to shift my focus toward rest so I could move through the season with more ease. What surprised me most is how much people look forward to it each year. It has become a tradition for many families, where everyone encourages slowing down and reconnecting with themselves and each other. It’s really special.

Many folks feel guilty about slowing down during the holidays. How can we reframe rest as something supportive rather than selfish?

Restmas helps people see rest as a celebration instead of another task on the list. This season brings joy, but it also brings grief, complicated family dynamics, and a lot of emotional weight. Restmas gives people permission to acknowledge the fullness of this time of year and that it’s not only ok, but important to care for their physical and emotional well-being. When rest becomes something you celebrate, it naturally brings more compassion, playfulness, and joy toward yourself.

You often talk about “compassion for your future self.” What’s one small daily habit in December that pays off big come January?

A simple but powerful habit is checking in with the places where you hold tension. First identify them— places like your jaw, shoulders, forehead, belly, pelvic floor. Throughout the day, scan those areas and invite them to soften. At first you’ll notice that everything tenses unconsciously, but over time the check-ins rewire the habit. Eventually you’ll scan your body and realize you’re not holding as much tension anymore. It’s a small act with a big ripple effect.

Holiday wellness advice can sometimes feel unrealistic or pressure-filled. What makes a stress-reduction practice actually sustainable?

Sustainability comes from “little movements more often,” or what I think of as little daily acts of care for yourself. A moment of breathing helps your nervous system handle future stress. A few minutes of stretching after sitting all day feels good now and supports long-term mobility. These tiny habits compound. By sprinkling them throughout your day, the routine becomes second nature by January.

Heart + Bones began as a small Canadian project and is now a global movement. How has your philosophy of modern yoga evolved through that growth?

Our philosophy has always centred on yoga that is kind, inclusive, and supportive for all bodies. We’re not the place for getting your leg behind your head or fast-paced flows that leave you gasping for breath. Instead we offer classes where people feel encouraged exactly as they are. The evolution has been staying committed to this mission and continuing to show how powerful yoga can be when it’s accessible, adaptable, and doesn’t require fancy clothes or extreme flexibility.

You’re offering a $2 holiday gift subscription as a “Gift That Moves You.” Why do you think simple, supportive wellness gifts resonate so much right now?

The last five years have been intense globally and personally. Many people are tired of overconsumption and want gifts that feel meaningful rather than something that will be returned or end up in a closet. People want experiences that help them feel more connected to themselves, reduce mindless scrolling, and support their well-being. Simple, heartfelt gifts—and supporting small independent businesses—matter more than ever.