I can give you a ton of tips on how to survive the holiday season, but is that REALLY what the holidays are about in midlife?
Instead, my hope is to help you look forward to the holidays this year because you have created a plan that makes you “in charge” of the holidays, as opposed to the holidays being “in charge” of you.
To help you with this, here are My Top 3 “Don’t Do’s” This Holiday Season:
#3: Make a “Don’t Do List”
Yes, we’ve all heard of a “To-Do List”. I have one and I’m sure you do too. However, what I’m suggesting to you is to create a “Don’t Do List”. These are the things that you are committing to not doing during the holidays. Again, either you’re in charge this holiday season or this holiday season will be in charge of you. Producing a “Don’t Do” list will help you create priorities as opposed to creating resentment.
Transformation Tip:
If you WAIT to create your “Don’t Do List”, you may find yourself falling into the trap of reacting to requests. When we find ourselves having to “react” when asked to do something, we’re more likely to say “Yes” without thinking and oftentimes regretting later that we put too much on our plate.
#2: Don’t Take Yoga for Granted
If you already practice yoga, keep it up, especially during the holidays. If you used to go to yoga… until you didn’t… go back! And if you have yet to give yoga a try, the best time to try it is during the holidays.
If you already do some sort of exercise, I suggest adding yoga to your regular exercise routine. If you can’t fit in a yoga class into your schedule, replace one workout session with yoga. Trust me. It’s THAT important.
Transformation Tip:
GO to a yoga class rather than doing it by yourself at home. Here are my three reasons why:
- Your teacher is trained to help you with your form (the physical) yes, but also your mindfulness and focus (mental), which is essential during the crazy holidays!
- Most yoga studios provide a serene and sacred environment, free of the distractions you are likely to encounter at home.
- Practicing yoga with others helps you feel a sense of community with other like-minded healthy individuals. This will translate into a healthy mindset and feeling of peace long after you leave the class.
#1: Don’t Skip Meals or Sleep
Want to stay as stress-free as possible this holiday season? Make sure you are eating healthy foods on a regular basis (several times throughout the day) and getting to bed at a decent hour (you know when you’re up too late!).
Skipping meals and skimping on sleep is going to play a huge role in your “joy” this holiday season. When you let either your nutrition and/or your sleep go, expect your metabolism to slow down, your weight to creep up, and your mood to be irritable. You don’t even want to be around yourself when you feel like this, let alone your family and friends.
Transformation Tip:
Because your normal routine may be off, keep some healthy, portable snacks around to munch on when you’re on the go. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day (half of your body weight in ounces, to be exact).
Now that you know my Top 3 “Don’t Do’s” this holiday season, there’s one thing I DO highly recommend you DO… TODAY. I’m having a 6-week “Watch Your Winter Waistline Holiday Challenge” that I want to invite you to. If you’re in your 50’s and want/need to “watch your winter waistline” this holiday season, join my free information call this Thursday, 11/12 at 6pmPT to learn more. You can decide then if it’s right for you.
Join my free holiday challenge information call by emailing me at kim@transformationwellnessforwomen.com and put “Holiday Challenge” in the subject line. I’ll reply back with the dial-in number for our call.
You “don’t” want to miss this. Join other women in their 50’s and do this TOGETHER. I’m looking forward to your email.
Guest Writer-Kim Acedo
Kim Acedo believes that a healthy life is a life you’ll love! She partners with women in their 50’s who are ready, willing and able to make a healthy change in their lives and coaches them toward improving their Sleep, Food, Mood, and Exercise habits so that they can live a healthier and more joyful life. Kim has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and is the owner of Transformation Wellness for Women where she works with her clients virtually in the comfort of their own home or office. Learn more: www.TransformationWellnessForWomen.com