’tis the season ~ 21 things…

20 things…to consider.  One’s health is more than just eating nutritious foods.  Sometimes in all of the holiday madness, what is important to you can get lost.  This can leave you feeling stressed or unbalanced.  These are feelings and notions that can often lead to some sort of downwards spiral that may gain momentum towards the end of December.  Maintain in control and recognize the accomplishments you have made so far this year in your life.  Don’t get caught up in the “commercialism” surrounding Christmas, but instead reflect on what really makes you feel good and keep acting on it.

As you read on…you may consider or perhaps even disregard some of the suggestions that I have made.  The purpose of this post is to get you thinking, not to convert you with my ideas.  What works for you?  If it doesn’t, why do you keep doing it time and time again?  Ask yourself – what gives you balance and satisfaction?  Value yourself enough to stop and think about this, if only for a moment or two.  While coughing my face off in bed and unable to sleep, the hamsters started turning the wheels in my head.  I got up, started blogging and came up with this list of things to consider.  Many of these thoughts will help define me, not only this holiday season but throughout the entire year.

Chime in!  Now I want to hear from you.  How do you stay balanced?  What do you do to make the holidays brighter for yourself and those you love?

1. Sweat, lift heavy and eat real food. Your body and mind will thank you! ~ Super key! Don’t use the holidays as an excuse to stop exercising. Plug through. You are stronger than you think. Push yourself.
2. Surround yourself with positivity. Be around people that make you feel good and vice versa. ~ Ask yourself, would you want to be around you?
3. Skip the “New Years” resolutions this year and be mindful of working at the goals that you have ALREADY STARTED. Don’t let those slip away. ~ Reinforce your goals by writing them down and posting them somewhere if you haven’t already.
4. Even if you don’t send Christmas cards in the mail, choose one person that you haven’t spoken to in a long time and drop them a line. ~ Getting something other than bills or junk in the mail, might just make someone’s day.
5. Take part in some sort of outdoor activity that you normally wouldn’t. Bust out a random snowball fight or try something new like snowboarding. ~ If you are not a fan of old Jack Frost, this may help the long, winter days to pass with greater enjoyment.
6. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, do something nice for you! ~ Treat yourself to something like a facial or a massage.
7. Keep an old family tradition and start a new one too. ~ This helps to give special meaning to what the holidays represent for you and the ones you love.
8. Find time to read a book that you have been dying to dive into. ~ Crackling fire and cozy blanket optional, but highly recommended!
9. Try out a new healthy recipe and take it along to a holiday party. ~ Remember – it’s okay to walk away from the dessert table. Load up on meat and veggies instead.
10. Lose a grudge that you have been holding towards someone else. ~ Especially if you can’t even remember why you were upset in the first place.
11. Opt out of the random 10-20 dollar gift exchange with friends, family and/or co-workers and put the money you would have spent towards helping children or families less fortunate.
12. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones’ ~ Focus on putting that energy into creating a stronger you – both physically and mentally.
13. Get excited about tackling something, perhaps a new project or venture.
14. Go off the grid (no cell phone, computer etc…) for a day or two. It can be quite refreshing. ~ At the very least keep your cell in your purse or coat when out for dinner or visiting family and friends.
15. Make sure you are getting your Vitamin D. ~ Soak up some sunshine or supplement.
16. Compliment someone, but make sure it is genuine. ~ And if someone compliments you, accept graciously and say ‘thank you.’ Not always easy to give or receive.
17. Don’t talk badly about others behind their back. ~ Resist, even if it is that second cousin that you see once a year at Christmas, who drives you crazy. If you wouldn’t say it to their face, than don’t!
18. Snuggle up and watch one of your all time classic favourite movies. ~ We did this the other night, and laughed our bottoms off.
19. Drink lots of wine, I mean water. ~ Something I tend to forget if I am busier than usual. Hydrate yourself.
20. Get quality sleep when possible. ~ And if you are tossing and turning like I was, don’t fight it. Get up and do something productive.
21. Do something nice, like an act of kindness for someone that you don’t know. ~ Pay for someone’s order behind you in Tim Hortons’ or at the gas station. I have done this a few times. Guaranteed to make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Happy holidays to all and best wishes for health, happiness and new adventures in 2013!!!