December Welcome – Live Well, Travel Well, and Breathe Hatteras Island
Slaying it like Santa!
The end of year always rushes in with much festive fervor and glorious good tidings. It’s easy to get caught up in the season of yummy sugar cookies, delicious treats, and raising glasses of holiday cheer! Still recovering from all the Halloween candy and a Thanksgiving feast; my waistline is not so forgiving.
We’re all aware of the common sense advice to give ourselves: everything in moderation, eight hours of sleep, get your steps in, FOMO—you don’t have to accept every invitation, DRINK LOTS OF WATER!, etc. When really all you want to do is collapse on the couch and hibernate until spring.
So how can you reframe your mindset so you’ll feel as sparkly and bright as the Christmas lights? Here are a few holiday rescue remedies you can try:
- Give yourself grace, not guilt. We’ve all been known to overindulge over the holidays. Don’t let it get you down; pick yourself up and move on quickly.
- Make a positive difference to others. No matter how small, do one selfless act, and the knock-on effect will have you feeling good about yourself again in no time.
- The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Let go of high expectations. This will reduce holiday stress not just for you but also for those around you.
- It’s called the holiday season for a reason. Lead by example in the workplace, communicate healthy boundaries, encourage taking time off and self-care so you and your team can return ready and refreshed to take on the new year.
- Love. Make time for those around you and honor those who are no longer here.
- Embrace the cold. Sleep ten degrees cooler, take a quick walk around the block after dinner, splash your face with cold water, or if you are feeling really brave, turn the shower faucet to freezing for a ten-second icy blast. Invigorating. It will get your circulation going and hits the parasympathetic ‘feel-good’ vagus nerve.
- Fake till you make it! You can always sprinkle a little glitter and add some gloss to make you shine. Behavioral activation is scientifically proven—engaging in positive behaviors can create a positive ripple effect.
Wishing you happy holidays and may your days be merry and bright! Remember, you too can slay it like Santa!
Photo credit: Elina Fairytale