4 Ways To Get Through The Holidays Feeling Blissful
As a licensed psychologist, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, this time of year always lands people in my office feeling overwhelmed and disappointed in themselves.
There are some simple strategies you can put into your routines to make sure you stay on track and have a great time this holiday season. You can use these 4 steps to help you enjoy the full of wonder and delight of the holiday season.
1. Make a Plan
If you really want to be successful have a plan1. A lot of us want to have a certain life but are not willing to set the structure to get that life.
They wonder how come others have X, Y, our Z without realizing their own lack of planning and follow through. The biggest factor between person A and person B, is a lack of purposeful planning.
Set aside some time this season to make yourself a plan. Determine which people you want to spend time with and which activities matter to you. Make sure to add in workouts and meal prepping.
Make a plan regarding food and beverages you’ll partake in during parties as well as noting the people you want to spend time with. This will help you have an accurate idea of what is possible during your holiday activities, let you confidently say no, and still keep you feeling fit.
2. Give Yourself a Break
This is a big one. Remember you cannot keep going without recharging your batteries. You need to take breaks.
Holidays are an endurance event. You need to recharge appropriately, if not you’ll find yourself turning to unhealthy snacks and beverages to keep going. This leads to a negative cycle.
The lower your energy, the less you move, the more you eat unhealthy comfort foods, the worse you feel.
Your body is fighting inflammation and detoxing without increased sweating and breathing. These physiological actions help our bodies eliminate toxins. You do not feel great, you reach for more comfort foods, move less … the pattern continues in a downward spiral.
Take breaks and break the cycle.
3. Practice Moderation
Part of what makes the holidays fun is being off our normal routines and plans. Remember moderation is the best practice.
Allow yourself to indulge and enjoy foods, drinks, parties, and activities you don’t normally partake in. Use your plan from above and make sure to balance out what and when you are eating, drinking, dancing, and board gaming so you have enough of what is fun while also getting enough foods, rest, and time with people who support you.
4. Keep Your Head In The Game
Maybe your job gets really busy or family drives you crazy. Maybe the longer lines at the grocery store push your buttons. Whatever your negative holiday stressors are, remember to keep your thoughts focused on what is working.
Research repeatedly shows us the power of choosing what we focus on2. We can join the venting session or we can shift toward something positive to get out of complaining.
It’s easy to get sucked into group complaining and exacerbated expressions of “can you believe it!” (Hear the aghast voice accompaniment).
In the end this negativity robs you of meaningful experiences you set out to have. You can’t control anyone else, but you can control what you focus on. Stay focused on what you want and where you want to go in life. This will keep you feeling grateful, connected, and full, not needing a bigger pant size.
Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, LAC, CPFT, CNC, licensed psychologist, addiction counselor, personal trainer and nutrition coach. She’s passionate about helping people create a vibrant life using psychology and physiology. With over 25 years coaching people to be their best, she understands how to find adventure and bliss with balance. Book a FREE 15 minute consultation at www.studiob.life or join her monthly Q&A group at www.stacyreuille.com
