Guide to Thriving throughout the Holiday Season
There’s a lot on my mind that I’ve wanted to share with you… where do I begin?! I think this actually may have started more as a journal entry…. maybe a plan of action… but once I looked back over what I’d transcribed, I realized it was something that I HAD to share with you all. Take what you need and share if it may be helpful someone else.
A lot can happen by December 31… keep moving forward!
Not only can a lot happen before this year comes to an end, but you may have already experienced what could be considered “a lot” in 2024! That’s what I’m feeling… 2024 has brought some of the best times celebrating and traveling with my family, even my business is thriving and growing. On the other hand, this year has also been one of the most difficult years of my life experiencing loss, illness, and life changes. In the midst of all those highs and lows, one thing remains constant… life goes on. Ugh! I’ve never really been a fan of that saying but it is very true. As long as God gives us breath, we will continue to experience our tomorrows… each with their own ups and downs.
With this particular blog, I hope to share tips that will, at minimum, get us through the remainder of the year and on into the new year. Shoot, I imagine these concepts could actually serve as a guidepost even beyond this season. I almost wanted to title it “Christmas Survival Guide”, but I don’t want to just survive. I want to THRIVE!
With that being said, let’s get into it!
Grieve! Whatever it may be and whenever necessary
Grief is complex. At the base level, it’s the experience of dealing with a loss. That loss doesn’t only have to be a death (even though that is what we most often consider). One may grieve the loss of a home, a job, health, or a marriage. And that’s just naming a few! Whatever you may be grieving in this season, allow yourself to be open with what you’re feeling. Hopefully, you have a safe place or person to share your thoughts… whether it be God, a bestie, or a therapist. Don’t subscribe to anyone else’s input on a timeframe for grief, as there is no such thing. All of us are unique, as are our situations. I just ask that you don’t sit too long in it without some sort of help. I know from experience that it can affect us in a multitude of ways: physical, mental, behavioral, relational, and emotional! Find a way to move forward at your own best pace… not because someone tells you to, but because you deserve to express your thoughts and move forward in a healthy manner.
Pray & meditate!
Stay focused on the good that can be found in this season. My favorite ways of doing this are through prayer and meditation. Sometimes, I’m able to pray an elaborate and eloquent prayer to God. Other times, the best I’m able to do is utter the name, “Jesus”. Both, and everything in between, can get the job done. Just pray and don’t forget to praise! While there is truly plenty to worry about in our world, we can all find at least one reason to praise… think: your kids, waking up this morning, your paycheck, or food on the table.
For me, meditation allows me time to SLOW DOWN and focus for a few minutes. Literally, I will sometimes do a 3-minute guided meditation to simply remove myself from a stressful or unfocused moment of time. However, it doesn’t just have to be done during tough times; it could also become a regular habit that you incorporate into your daily life to find and maintain peace and calm. My favorite meditations included guided breathing exercises. It may sound odd, needing to have someone else walk me through breathing, something we do every day. But you’d be surprised by how much better we can feel by slowing down our breathing and focusing on deep breaths. It can be lifechanging in those moments. There are tons of resources to available, whether through an app on your phone or even online.
Move your body!
Yes, I understand how busy you may be during this time of the year. I’m not saying you have the hit the gym for two hours every day or go to Zumba every day (even though I’d love you to come to my Zumba classes lol). A simple walk through your neighborhood, time in your garden, dancing to the radio, and even a yoga session are beautiful forms of exercise.
As a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, this does happen to be a favorite focus of mine to share about. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (the organization that sets the recommendation for how much physical activity we need to be healthy), “adults should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity and that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits”.
That a lot, right? How do you do that? How can you meet those requirements? Just start by doing physical activities that you enjoy and explore new ways to incorporate physical activity into each day. And remember, while I would love to have you as my own client, you do not have to seek out a gym, personal trainer, or group fitness classes to get your exercise. Make a commitment to just start moving or move more! Keeping your focus on physical activity will not only benefit your health, but it can also give you a great release from your daily routine and even all of the busy-ness and (often) stress we can face during this time of the year.
Socialize! With whom you wish & at your own pace
This time of the year, with all of its potential for glorious festivities and celebrations can be very good for the heart, mind, and soul; however, it can be overwhelming! I think this is one of the first years in a really long time that I have felt overwhelmed. It’s always been my favorite time of the year, but this year has been a lot. I’ve done most of my usual activities, but for the remainder of the year and into the next, I’m making adjustments. Illness, grief, and exhaustion have been big factors in that decision.
With that being said, I know how important is to still have my people near me. Whether that be in-person, via calls, via texts, via Facetime…. The love and care that my immediate family provides me is irreplaceable, I need it. I also need certain family & friends, along with their support and input in my life. According to the Mayo Clinic, the proper relationships can truly enrich our lives and here’s a few ways they do it:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise
Gift yourself!
Finally, take care of yourself! As you’re shopping for others and wrapping their gifts, don’t forget yourself. With as much excitement and joy that comes along with this season, there is also the potential for stress and anxiety. Make sure to take the time to do what you need to for yourself.
I’m won’t go into any detailed explanations here, because I know you’ve heard it all before. I’m just going to set out a few phrases that I hope give you the permission (or a reminder) you need to practice self-care.
Take a nap!
Just say no!
Watch that holiday movie! (I know, I know…. we already know the plot: big-city corporate daughter returns home to help run the family business. She runs into a few obstacles that only her former high school boyfriend can assist with thanks to his local business. They reconnect, fall in love, and live happily ever after. Still, watch the movie!)
Drink your water!
Bake the dessert! (and eat some!)
