December De-Stress Challenge

December 1st - December 31st, 2025

The holiday season—while filled with joy and connection—is scientifically proven to be one of the most stressful times of the year.

Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology shows that cortisol levels spike by an average of 23% during the holiday months, while sleep quality decreases and anxiety increases across all demographics.

But here's what the research also shows: 

Consistent yoga practice during high-stress periods doesn't just help you cope—it actually rewires your nervous system for resilience.

Studies from Harvard Medical School demonstrate that regular yoga practice during stressful periods:

• Reduces cortisol production by up to 50%
• Increases GABA (the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter) by 27%
• Improves stress recovery time by 40%
• Enhances emotional regulation and decision-making under pressure

The Power of Intention Setting

Neuroscience research reveals why setting clear intentions is so transformative. 

Dr. Gail Matthews' study at Dominican University found that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. 

When you combine written goals with regular check-ins (like marking your progress on our challenge board), success rates increase to over 70%.

This isn't just willpower—it's brain science. 

Setting intentions activates the reticular activating system, the part of your brain that filters information and keeps you focused on what matters most. 

Every time you mark your spot on our challenge board, you're literally rewiring your neural pathways for success.

• Step 1: Set Your Intention (Before December 1st) Write your name on our challenge board and commit to the number of classes you want to attend during December. Whether it's 5 classes or 25—your goal is perfect for you.
• Step 2: Show Up & Mark Your Progress Each time you attend class, mark your spot on the board. Watch your commitment come to life, one class at a time.
• Step 3: Celebrate Your Journey (January 3rd) Join us for our community celebration party—our gift to you for showing up for yourself during the busiest month of the year.

We're calling it a challenge because growth happens when we stretch beyond our comfort zones—but this is about your personal journey , not comparing yourself to others.

Set a goal for 20 classes but only made it to 8? 

That's still 8 more times you chose yourself over stress. 

As the saying goes, "Aim for the stars and you might hit the moon." 

Every class you attend is a victory worth celebrating.

Everyone who participates gets entered into our gift drawing. 

Those who reach their personal goals get entered into an additional drawing with extra special prizes. 

But the real prize? 

The way you'll feel having prioritized your well-being during the season when it matters most.

Many of our community members have participated in past December challenges, and they'll tell you—there's something magical about committing to your practice during the holidays. 

It's not just about the physical benefits (though those are incredible).

It's about proving to yourself that you can stay centered, grounded, and strong no matter what life throws at you.

Research from the American Psychological Association confirms what we see every year: 

People who maintain consistent self-care practices during high-stress periods report 60% higher life satisfaction and 45% better relationships with family and friends.

Your December self will thank you. 

Your January self will thank you. 

And your nervous system will thank you every single day.

Challenge runs Monday, December 1st through Tuesday, December 31st, 2025. 

Community celebration party on Friday, January 3rd 

(location to be announced). 

Sign up at the studio or ask any team member how to get started.

Ready to turn holiday stress into holiday strength? 

Your challenge board is waiting.

OH...and to help, we're offering an irresistible deal for December!

Special launches on Black Friday!  

We will email you the details of the specials on Friday, November 28th!