This article was provided by MINES affiliate Trainer Michelle Zellner

Short days, long lists, full minds, and empty tanks—the holidays are in full swing. Tis’ the season of celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and an abundance of options.

Oh, what fun there is to be had!

So are you? Or are you stressed, depressed, or less than your best?

Is all that cheer having you face your pants with fear?

Perhaps it’s the beverages leaving you less than clear?

With several weeks before we wrap up the year, turn surviving into thriving with tips shared here!

  1. Proceed as you wish to finish. How do you want to feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially when you wake up in January? The choices you make between now and then will either get you there or have you looking back with regret.
  2. Set boundaries for yourself and with others. The holidays are naturally a time when we will exceed our comfort zone—eat and spend too much, move and sleep too little. Trying to be all things to all people, casting the needs of YOUR human aside, will not work out well in the long run. Decide how far out of bounds you are willing to go because “it’s the holidays,” while keeping in mind the January version of you.
  3. Create a structure for success. You know your vulnerabilities, your obstacles, your HARDS and only you can outline a plan to support the choices for a desired outcome. Give yourself grace, but not a holiday pass. Bring a buddy for accountability, and while you’re tossing out the Halloween candy and Thanksgiving leftovers, toss out the all-or-nothing mindset too.
  4. Be intentional with the Foundational Five
    1. Nutrition—PFF is Your BFF! Prioritize protein all day every day, especially when the sweets are swirling around you. Stay on top of hydration and be mindful of alcohol consumption. Indulge without instigating the inner critic telling you to give in because “it’s the holidays.” Know your limits, set your boundaries, and dig deep for self-management.
    2. Movement is medicine! No matter what you do or where you do it, you have a body and you can move it. Know your WHY and then commit to when, where, and how. Aim to do as much as you can, as hard as you can, as often as you can, remembering that something is better than nothing!
    3. Sleep, it does a body good AND can be really tough to come by with all the extras on your mind and your agenda. Keep a routine as best you can and when the commitments throw you out of synch, settle in for quality over quantity. Calming rituals and natural aids like lavender, lemon balm, and GABA can drive you into deeper sleep, offering a reset to tackle what’s ahead.
    4. Stress less this time of year. Breathe. Just start there. Keep in mind you control nothing and no one but YOU. Don’t be the drama, don’t bring the drama, don’t back the drama. If you are traveling, whatever the destination, pack snacks and patience—plenty of both!
    5. Community and connections are really what this time should be about. Engage. Participate. Be present. Appreciate what you have. If your situation is not ideal, do what you can with what you’ve got. It’s Ok to not be ok, but please don’t stay quiet about that. There IS someone who will be by your side.

Do not misunderstand the tips above. This is a time for joy and love. Love yourself enough to nourish your spirit and soul, while making an effort to reach a goal. You can do this all and have fun on the ride. Cheers to the journey!

 

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team