Holiday sabotage
I am sitting here in the dark with only the Christmas lights on next to the woodstove on this cold December evening. My thoughts turn to the holidays. All the stress and over consumerism that plagues so many. Not to mention the added stress of the changes in the world, work changes, school changes etc. So many people overindulge this time of year. People take time off their “diet and exercise” program. I have heard many say, “I just don’t have time with all the things I have to do.” What happens is that they quit altogether and pick it back up for two more months starting after new year. They feel if they cannot get everything 100% then it is a bust. It’s all over and you have to start fresh when it’s time. So for right now you overindulge, keep going even though you’re tired, never take any time for yourself, spend money, eat more, drink more, work more and do it all over again till the holidays are over. Your feeling sick, your head hurts, body hurts, you may have gained a few pounds. But hey, you can get back on track after New Year’s Eve. There are a few things I just want to mention.
1. When will the time be? When all the planets align just right? When you get some time for yourself? When the kids are back in school? When your husband stops his late-night job? When you finally get that raise? These are all valid statements.
2. Why not start now?
If you keep making a plan to do things, next week, as a New Year’s resolution, the start of the month etc. then those days come and go and you pretty much don’t start. Why? Because something always comes up to interfere with your plans. I suggest you try starting right now this minute. The more you wait the more your will not feel your best, the more things keep going the way you don’t want. At your next meal add one or two vegetable to your plate. Add in more nutritious foods to what you are eating already. Don’t stop eating what you are eating just add more vegetables and whole grains (if you eat grains) to your meal. When you get up in the morning, drink that glass of water while your coffee is brewing. Say something nice to yourself in the mirror after your shower. When you are waiting for your car to warm up do a few squats, or push-ups. Maybe even get up a half hour early to put in a couple of exercises. You don’t have to have weights to exercise. Just get some more movement into your day. Park further away from your building, take the stairs, take a walk on your lunch break. I bet that you can find some ways to do small things and incorporate them into your day so you are still enjoying your holiday parties and activities. Starting and stopping a health regimen is not going to get you where you want to go. You want these things to be effortless and easy. You want them to blend right into your lifestyle. These small changes will become second nature the more you do them. They are so small that they will seem to be too easy. How can something like this really work? It can and it does. You are accomplishing these tasks and it feels good that you did them. Wow, first you feel good about doing it. Then you are effortlessly doing them all the time without even thinking. Ok great this is a big win! Your mood improves because you succeeded in something you were going to put off and you are still taking in the holiday festivities. At the same time, you are making better choices and you realize that you don’t need as much of that cake or another cookie.
One other thing I would like to briefly touch upon is the fact that we overindulge because there is usually something missing in our lives. People look to food to make us feel better. It replaces the things we are missing in our lives. Gives us a sweet, feel great, temporary high. Once it wears off the missing feelings are back again. Take some time to look at the many areas of your life and think about what it is that needs to be improved so your happiness is not contingent of whether there are thin mints in the house. Take the same approach as the food and take small little steps to improve those areas in your life that are weighing you down. Don’t forget the one main thing you can do many times a day…..breathe. Four count in, hold for 7, out for 8 repeat. Give yourself a one up and think of something nice to say about yourself while you are breathing. You are a magnificent woman. Simple, easy. Breathe.
