Not just survive!
The Holiday Season is upon us. Will you thrive or survive? For many the holiday season may be a source of cheer, joy, love, and connection, others may feel a lot of stress, and then there are some who may barely “survive” the whole process.
What contributes to all the stress?
There could be feelings the loss or being disconnected from loved ones and/or having sadness over broken relationships. Having unrealistic expectations set by others or even on you. A busier schedule is typical with decorating the house, gift buying and wrapping, extra social events, and preparing special meals and treats, leading us to eat richer foods more often. Therefore, the busier schedule, high expectations and rich food is a recipe for high stress and maybe even a wellbeing disaster.
What is the mindset that leads to increased stress and possibly a “wellbeing” meltdown?
Look over the following list of self-talk. Do you find yourself saying any of the following?
- If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.
- I have to do _______, it’s what everyone expects.
- I need to do _______I don’t want to disappoint or upset anyone I have to do it this way, its tradition!
- I’ll get rest when its done!
- I’ll start an exercise plan and eat better starting in January.
- I don’t have time to do what I want or need, everyone else comes first
If you answered yes to any of the statements above, consider embracing a mindset to thrive in “Wholistic Wellbeing” and not just survive this holiday.
- I am a divine being created to enjoy this Holiday.
- Only my creator and I know what is best for me.
- An “Attitude of Gratitude” is a great gift to share.
- The best things in life are free!
- You are enough, anything more is just stuff.
Now equipped with a Mindset to Thrive…
- Determine what is most important and let the rest go!
- Be Realistic of what is possible to accomplish in normal daytime hours.
- Communicate openly your new plan with those it may affect, invite and enlist others to take on what you are “letting go.”
- Embrace healthy habits throughout the Holidays
- Do fun exercise 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes to lighten your mood and increase your energy. The result will be a sharper mind, more tone, strength and increased confidence for those social events.
- Eat healthy, choosing 5 fruits and vegetables a day, lean meats, low fat dairy, and whole grains and legumes daily. You will optimize your metabolism, immune and digestive system, keeping you light on your feet, full of energy, and help keep the weight off ensuring you feel great in those holiday clothes
- Limit rich foods and extras to 1 day a week and then “get it out of the house” so you’re not tempted to “munch” the rest of the week.
The Holidays are a time for love and connection, why not start with you!
Do more than survive…Thrive!
Written by Sandie Lynch MS, RDN, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer, and Wholistic Wellbeing Coach. Owner and CEO of ATP Consultants, LLC. Sharing 5 Key Principles to Attain Top Performance in living your best life at any age!
Check out ATP Fitness in January to “Kick-Start” your 2015. Learn, practice, and embrace the strategies that will build Wholistic Wellbeing for life!
Contact Sandie at [email protected] to find out more!