So here we are: just about to head into the period that many of us consider “the holy trinity” of holidays. Starting with Thanksgiving, and ending with the gong of midnight on New Years Eve, a whole bunch of party can happen during that stretch of time. How can you manage all this festivity—and perhaps even slide into January happy and healthy to begin the New Year?
Well, I have some hints for navigating this time period:
1.) Be realistic—The holidays likely won’t be perfect! But maybe coming up with a mantra could help you—something like “I am ready to accept the new normal! … I am ready to accept the new normal!“
2.) Stay connected—Don’t be alone unless you want to be alone. And be sure you have your support systems lined up. Also set up a texting tree for quick communications if need be.
3.) Wear tight clothing—This might seem like a stretch (pun intended!), but if overeating is a stress default for you, wear tighter pants or leggings as a reminder to moderate your intake. Or, at the very least, tighten your belt before heading out for the favorite event.
4.) Start a new tradition—Changing things up can loosen traditional friends and family patterns in a fun and welcome way. Bring a small gift or offer to bake dessert if you never have done so before. Or try introducing your friends and family to a holiday custom from another country.
5.) Go for smaller portions-—Smaller plates really do help control overindulging. And for you emotional eaters, try and eat real food before going out socially for food events.
6.) Rethink your gifting patterns for the holidays—If finding gifts becomes burdensome in terms of time, imagination, and money, consider making gifts to charitable donations in a friend’s name (that really feels good!). Another alternative is gift cards for everyone, which eliminates the fear of choosing inappropriate stuff !
7.) Try to stay connected to the true meaning of the holiday, whichever one you’re celebrating—Since there are only 24 hours in each day, realize it may be the distinct moments that really count; pick the most meaningful ones to embrace.
8.) Shocker Idea Alert—Exercise your body! Even 10 minutes of strenuous activity could very well keep you from losing it when “stuff” begins to crowd into your day. To make it easier (and prevent excuse-making), set the alarms on your phone for timely reminders.
9.) When in doubt, take a break—Go outside, step away from the action for a bit, and just breathe. Five minutes of mediation or relaxed breathing or fresh air might even transform the grumpiest Santa or negative Scrooges into happy, festive merrymakers. Enjoy!
Denise’s
2 Cents:
The holidays – another example of “a good idea when it started”…
Thinking in advance about your plans and trips and the ways you can keep drinking water, exercise when possible, and eating a good breakfast will add greatly.
It can actually be a great time to practice self care, and maybe set a massage appointment for shortly after the New Year now ? Yes, do that right now. 🙂