Setting a Plan for the Holidays

Now that I’ve established setting realistic expectations as the foundation for a happy and healthy holiday season, it’s time for the next step: I need to put a plan in place. It’s important to me to identify the things in my life right now that are currently supporting my health.

Sleep:

I need a solid 7 hours of sleep each night.

Morning routine:

I have a very specific morning routine that sets my day off in the right direction. As soon as I wake up, I get dressed in my workout clothes, sit for some quiet prayer and meditation, and then head out the door for an exercise class. Mornings are my favorite part of the day.

Healthy eating:

I’ve eliminated the foods that trigger flares and symptoms in my body and intentionally eat the foods that promote health in my body. It wasn’t easy at first, but I did stick with it and now am thankfully in a place where I’m experiencing the results of the commitment. However, I do know that if the trigger foods start creeping back in my diet, then my efforts start becoming undone.

So, I need to recognize that these are currently significant factors in maintaining my health and as the holidays begin to pick up, I need to make sure that these existing habits stay in place. They need to be non-negotiables. Otherwise, slacking on these habits and adding the stress of the holidays will be a recipe for a health disaster.

Have a plan:

My plan begins with these foundational habits. I need to be consistent with them for consistently healthy results.

Because of the nature of the holidays, stress will inevitably increase. For me, just the commotion around me at the shopping centers and grocery stores can pull on my energy. I need to make sure that I have a reserve filled for these times. I need to put something in place that will support my energy during this time.

Self-care:

I often like to think that my exercise fills my self-care bucket and while it does provide a lot of health benefits, I need a level of self-care that is more comforting and nourishing to my body, mind, and spirit.

This holiday season, I’ve decided to incorporate a yoga practice into my week – once or twice a week is ideal. Yoga is a practice that effectively calms my mind and provides a level of relaxation that I don’t experience from other practices.

I also want to be very intentional with using my essential oils in my home. What I love most about this is that it’s easy to do. It takes less than a minute to put a couple drops of lavender in my diffuser. The best aspect of this is that it’s calming to me but it also calms those around me too – double bonus!

Schedule for success:

Last but not least, I’m going to schedule out my preparations for the holidays in advance. Never have I put “gift wrapping” on my calendar, it typically just happens at the 11th hour. Nor have I scheduled time to purchase hostess gifts in advance of the holiday season. I’m the person who runs late the party because I have to stop at Hallmark on the way for a gift. All of these last-minute moments of rush and panic drain my energy.

Bottom line 

To maintain my health and protect my energy throughout the season, I’m remaining committed to my existing health habits, upping my self-care, and scheduling tasks into my calendar.