By Hilde Larsen
Contributing writer for Wake Up World
Isn’t it natural and understandable to want to indulge during the Holiday season? Yes, of course it is. We are social beings, and our celebrations tend to revolve around food. Lots of food, AND drinks. The only problem is, bloating, low energy, headaches, extra weight, and even feelings of regret are a common part of the after party — all in the name of having a jolly good time.
I remember feeling relieved when January finally came and I could get back to my normal routine. I’d begin the yearly help-my-health diet plan, and purchase a new membership at the gym, or an expensive detox retreat far, far, away — to redeem myself, and undo what I had done — promising myself I would learn how to do better next year.
I am not saying we shouldn’t gather, have fun, eat, drink, and be merry, maybe even stretch our boundaries a little, but compromise our health and exhaust our relationships? Never in my book.
How about enjoying a Holiday season in great health, with lots of energy, calmness, and joy? It is very doable. In fact, it is easier than you might think. All you need is a strategy: a plan, pen, paper, and the mindset of a game-changer.
Here is what I have found useful and empowering:
Be prepared: Planning is everything. Consider the season, as a whole. What will it look like? Are you going to travel? Spend time with family? Entertain, or do something entirely different? Make an outline. Step back, and look at your outline. Feeling good about it? Too much? Stressed already? Make sure your plan is aligned with what you want. YOU are in charge!
Make lists: This is crucial. You need to make a list for everything. Once it is on the list, it is out of your head. Nothing brings stress like a head filled with tasks and things to remember. I am talking shopping lists, to do lists, wish lists, who is doing what list, and the most important of all, the ME list. I always say schedule everything. The ME time, schedule it!
Make pockets in your calendar for self-care every single day: some ME time. Massages, meditation, or just tea time on the patio. That way, no matter how full your Holiday calendar gets, you can always breathe.
Eat to live: This is a HUGE one. Abundance often leads to over-indulgence. And no, an extra potato or eggnog isn’t going to kill you, but there is no reason you cannot stay fit and healthy and still have fun all season long.
You can easily integrate a few simple rules to your food regime: 1. Drink a freshly made juice every morning, and don’t eat anything until 2 hours later. 2. Stop eating before you are completely full. 3. Honor your every-day ground rules, like no dairy, no gluten, or whatever you normally do. Lowering your standard will only lead to regret and an upset digestion. 4. Bring your own food. Yes, it is ok to bring food if you are on a special diet. Bring enough to share. 5. Fill your house with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. What we have in front of us is what we eat. 6. Stop eating at 8 pm. Drink small amounts of alcohol. Your body IS your temple!
Know yourself: We tend to keep on going long after our bodies have told us to slow down. The subtle hint of a headache, stress in the body, restless sleep, irritability, forgetfulness, indigestion, anxiety and fatigue. Listen, and don´t compromise your health at any cost. Not worth it. When you need a break, take one. When you need to sit, sit! Be your own best friend!
Deal with family: The Holidays are all about family and friends. First of all, family. Sadly, that doesn’t always mean happy, OR calm. Many experience stress from being around certain family members. It happens in most families. The trick is to not let it get to you. Keep your energy close. Be the observer. It`s ok to not see eye to eye on all matters, and it is ok to have different ways of living life. Choose your battles, and let it all be. Don’t give away your energy to that which you cannot change, or that which is NOT your business. You can still love them!
Also see: Are You More Awake Than Your Family? 12 Ways to Heal Family Relationships for the Holidays
Say NO, and YES: When you learn how to say no to that which is not serving you, you are at the same time saying yes to more of that which IS. Meaning, as long as we allow ourselves to spend time on and around that which we do not enjoy, we have less time for that which gives us joy. A healthy Holiday season starts with saying no. A healthy season also includes saying yes to more joy. To the ME time, the family time, some peaceful reflection time that brings in the true spirit of the Holidays. Meditate and embrace silence. Clearing the mind and the emotions. A time-out can do wonders. Yes is important, No is absolutely crucial. No is the new Yes!
Simplify: We tend to make things complicated. Look at your gift list and the menu. Too much? Is the calendar too full? Can you spend less, love more and skip a few tasks? Most likely you can. Do you need 14 types of toppings and 4 different wines, or will a simpler and less complicated setting do just as well? Some love to spend time on detail, and some don´t You will know when you have reached your limit. Stress again. Time to simplify. You are always enough!
Be active: Part of what will clog you up and make you feel like you wish January was here already is being sedentary. Get up early, and go for a walk. Stay on your exercise regime all month long. Heck, I would even say, up your regime! Take an extra run or walk. Do some extra yoga or invite a friend to a tennis challenge. Inspire the entire family to engage in a fun activity together. You are worth it!
Sleep: Absolutely underrated, and so simple. Rest and sleep. The body regenerates during sound and calm sleep. It cleanses and rejuvenates. You bounce back much quicker, and your body will be able to handle stress much better. Be a sleeping beauty!
Gratitude and serving: This is the season for giving. For bringing joy and gratitude to the world. By counting our blessings, we are blessing others. By serving, not pleasing, we are communicating from the heart. The mind can play tricks on us, the heart is always true. By focusing on how we can do something for those less fortunate we are lowering our won stress level, healing together. Teaching children the value of compassion. Be grateful!
A healthy holiday season is very doable — by being more conscious of our choices. Live and let live, and know that by making a few healthier choices, be it food, mindset, routines or strategy wise, you can walk toward the new year feeling empowered, grateful, re-charged and ready for a brand New Year… all filled up with love.
Let’s bring the simple joys back to this happy season — the heartfelt healthy energy of celebration.
Happy Healthy Holidays!
Hilde
Recommended articles by Hilde Larsen:
- How to Write Your Life Manifesto, and Why It Will Change Your Life
- Listen to All, Learn from a Few, Follow No One
- 10 Ways to Foster an Attitude of Gratitude
- Spread Your Wings! 8 Benefits of Living Outside Your Comfort Zone
- Who Do You Think You Are?
- The Day I Died – The Dark Night of The Soul
- 4 Ways You May Be Sabotaging Your Own Healing
- Deal With Your Own Shit – Then Serve Others
- The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off
About the author:
Hilde Larsen, known as ‘the one who Inspires’, is the CEO and founder of inspiredbyhilde.com. She is a certified Health and Mindset Coach, an Author, a Keynote Speaker, Detox Specialist, Raw food Teacher and Life-Enthusiast. Her glowing enthusiasm for health and vitality has the leading role in her work.
Hilde Larsen writes articles, and has her own blog and YouTube channel. She is the author of three published books: ‘From HELL to Inspired’, ‘Know the Truth and Get Healthy’, and ‘No More Bullshit’. She creates online video programs and has her own membership site, The Inspired Members.
Her interest in healing and spiritual growth also led her to become a Reiki Healer. She is highly intuitive and has a strong connection to Mother Earth and the spiritual world.
Born and raised in Stavanger, Norway, she and her husband of 29 years have a second home in Florida, USA. She is a proud mother and grandmother, and a tree-hugger at heart. Called by nature and spirit, she is inspiring many to take back their power, and to live a healthy successful life doing what they love.
Hilde now spends her time traveling between Norway and Florida, speaking, and appearing on different media as the Inspired health and thought leader. She is an authority in her field who has walked her talk. She also values the time with her clients, and her time in nature with her closest family and friends.
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