All I Want for Christmas Is a Break!
Let's not let seasonal stress make a mess of our holidays.
Okay, before you read this week's email, do me a favor. Get up and go get a nice, cool glass of water. Don't worry. I'll wait.
Got it? Good. Now, you can sip that while we discuss ways to stay cool, calm and collected in the face of a season that is typically as stressful as it gets for so many of us! Of course, you're smart enough to recognize that I'm going to remind you of some essential strategies, like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time to stay active. But let's also get our heads around setting perspective on what's safe, sane and realistic for holiday celebrations and expectations. This year, perhaps like none other before, we can take a good look at what's really important to us, and what we can leave off the list. Finish that drink, take a nice deep breath, and let's find ways to make spirits bright in the way that's best for us!
Calm Mind
Last-minute shopping, late-night celebrating, unexpected guests -- traditionally, this can be a time of year that lights up our stress level like a string of lights on steroids! Let's reclaim a little control. You may not be doing as much traveling or entertaining as you've done in years past, which is creating a perfect opportunity to let the stuff that's truly important come to the surface. So often, stress comes not from having to do any one thing, but trying to do everything! To keep your brain in balance, take a moment to plan and prioritize. If baking ten dozen cookies or picking out the perfect tree is really important to you, if it makes you feel happy and fulfilled, then do it! But if it means more stress, there's no crime in giving your favorite local bakery some business, or digging that old artificial tree out of the attic. This year, let's put the break back in holiday break -- by giving yourself one and focusing on less pressure instead of perfection!
Healthy Body
I'm not gonna lie -- I love this time of year. There are amazing things to eat, from my mom's incredible tortellini soup to all those gift-basket goodies. And is it just me, or are those dishes of red-and-green peanut M&Ms everywhere? It makes staying committed to healthy eating a challenge to say the least! How do we handle so much temptation? My answer may surprise you: don't! It's okay to treat yourself! Taste and enjoy all your favorites, just pay attention to the eating experience itself! Try this: when you are facing that awesome holiday spread, take a taste of this or that, but challenge yourself to chew every bite twelve times; think Twelve Days of Christmas! You'll slow down and really savor what you're eating, and the science is strong on that strategy: it slows down the quantity of what we eat, because we have more time to enjoy the quality! Of course, staying in motion still matters, so keep up with your workouts and maybe add an extra evening walk around the neighborhood to your routine. So many people are going all out with their outdoor lights and decos this year! Bundle up and stroll around the neighborhood for a half-hour of illuminated awesomeness, then head home for a nice mug of Bangin' BBZ Hot Chocolate; check last week's email for the recipe!
Strong Spirit
Obviously the holidays are rooted in tradition and devotion, and whether or not you're a person of faith, it's a great time to ponder those higher powers and sense of what's bigger than ourselves that can help get us through even the toughest times. The holidays are also one of those times we are traditionally supposed to think of others first. We are giving gifts, visiting with those we haven't seen for awhile, and gathering to celebrate. This week, find a few moments every day to tap into your personal sense of that larger, comforting energy. Whether you believe there's a grand plan, or you are confident you have total control of how things go, that sense of faith -- in yourself and in the universe -- is a powerful way to access personal peace. Find the moments for you, in prayer, in meditation, in a simple, quiet moment to reflect, remember, and remind yourself of everything that's good in your life. Those moments nourish our well-being, bring calm, and allow us to stay above life's everyday frustrations. For me, that's what "holiday spirit" is all about!
This Week's Focus
Like I said before, we all know that the holidays are a time of test and temptation when it comes to what we eat. But you also probably know that I don't believe there are any "bad" foods -- there are just foods you should eat more of, and foods you want to eat less of. I'll never tell you, "hey, you're eating waaaay too much kale!" I may remind you, however, that chili-cheese fries are something to enjoy strictly once in a great while.
Keep all of the above in mind this holiday season. Let’s do our best to let go of the guilt and stress and replace it with the things that make our mind, body & souls feel good!
Happy -- and healthy -- holidays to everyone!
Love,