‘Tis the season when people wonder most often, can I count on yoga to help me see the new year without requiring a new (size larger) wardrobe? Please don’t think that I’m one of those size 0 disciplinarians. I pride myself in long-loved traditions like Christmas shortbread with my a.m. coffee so I know what I’m talking about.

So let’s first agree that there are no magic bullets – keeping a sane weight is all about being conscious about our choices and treating ourselves well. And yoga gives us some great tools for doing that.

Even when time is tight, getting in a good vinyasa session here and there is so important to keep our perspective positive and if it’s a really good session – blissful. Short sessions over the holidays help us stay connected to our bodies. Being connected to our body makes it harder to unconsciously consume everything in sight. But regardless of what happened the night before, it’s also a great time to practice loving kindness. We can come back to the mat, reconnect and start anew.

Often overeating is about family stresses and feeling overwhelmed. Getting to the mat or even finding a quiet spot to sit and breath can insert some calm into the day. I also find that the holidays often mean staying cooped up in the house all day and that makes me feel sluggish (and slug-like). Grabbing some kids and getting outside gets me away from the table. Fresh air, deep breaths, walking or some standing poses get the blood moving so I feel like I’m more than an eating machine.

Here’s to a happy, balanced season – pass me my mat, and some shortbread.