Welcome to my Blog! Today’s topic is on taking care of yourself during these holidays. This blog is about fitness and nutrition, but it’s also about your health and wellness and taking care of you! What good is it to have a great fitness program if you’re too sad to get out of bed, or can’t control your stress level? I write this blog for you! I want you to be the best you and live a happier, healthier life.
While holidays can be a happy time with family and friends jam-packed with fun festivities, maybe some parties, some gifts, unfortunately they can also bring sadness. Some of us may have recently lost or be separated from a loved one, while others may struggle financially. Some may struggle with temptation and guilt and have the feeling of overindulging. There are numerous reasons why people might struggle this time of year, and for those of us who are blessed with family, and friends, or the resources to cope, it’s also important to remember not everyone is so fortunate. Since the season of thanks and giving is upon us, let’s remember to take good care of ourselves.
During this holiday season, try and make it your goal and priority to manage your stress and your energy first. Start by getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of water. Set aside time to care for yourself no matter how brief. Here are some ideas that I think can be very helpful:
- Say or write down 10 things you are grateful for before you get out of bed or 10 things in your day you are grateful for at nighttime
- Meditate
- Journal
- Take a candle lit bath with Epsom salt
- Take an evening walk and gaze up at the stars
- Read a good book
For many of you, taking the time to count your blessings rather than focusing on what’s missing is a great place to start. I try and tell my family to count your blessings, not your problems. You shouldn’t ignore sadness, anger or frustration, just make sure you acknowledge those feelings so you can move on! For example, if you journal, write down what’s bothering you, put the journal away and start your day afresh. Most importantly, be patient and treat yourself with the compassion you so readily deserve.
NUTRITION
The holidays are also a prime time for issues with food. As stated earlier it’s a time you might get the feeling to indulge which leaves many people feeling depressed and guilty about their nutritional choices! But this holiday season, make a change and a goal to lower your chance of feeling depressed and guilty by having a plan in place when you attend some holiday parties and festivities.
However, if you’re dreading overindulging in all the sugary holiday treats follow these tips to manage those temptations.
- Try having a healthy snack before you head out
- Practice eating slowly and savor the bites you’re taking. Research suggests that it’s really the first few bites that are the most satisfying anyway.
- Don’t deny yourself a special indulgence, enjoy it in moderation.
- Stand away from the food and treats to allow yourself to engage socially with others–if you’re engaged in speaking with others, it’s a little more difficult to mindlessly snack and overindulge.
What about those people with food-related issues? For example, if you have some food sensitivities like I do with wheat and dairy, this does not mean you must avoid all potlucks and dinner parties, you just plan ahead and bring your own signature dish you know you will enjoy. Maybe you can share something new with your friends and family. Make sure it’s a combination of protein, fresh herbs, and vegetables. By preparing your own dish, you are taking care of yourself and it gives you a better opportunity to truly appreciate the purpose of the party: to share laughter and friendship over the holidays.
Well I hope this helps you and gives you some ideas on how to relax and take care of yourself this holiday season. The main thing is to make time for yourself and keep an eye on your stress level and the food snacking. Still try to maintain some sort of exercise program while engaging in social activity.
Thank you for reading my blog and keep checking back for more tips, tricks, and science based information on fitness, nutrition, and health and wellness.
Take care and I hope you live a happier, healthier life and remember, You only get one body…………Make the change!
Darren
Harmony Shift 