Why is it so hard to stick with your health goals during the holidays?! Well, let’s take a quick look: there is temptation, family, expectations and extra-circular activities on top of our everyday life that compound the stress. Add pandemic restrictions, political tension, and an excess of natural disasters to the mix and it makes for a rather stressful holiday season.
What’s is the best tool to combat this stress? Resiliency. What is resiliency exactly? Merriam- Webster Dictionary gives us this definition:
1. the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress
2. an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
Something elastic, such as my waistband sweatpants after a massive family meal, is a visual that comes to mind. Elastic material, when cared for properly, can expand and contract with almost any encounter. An elastic waistband doesn’t resist. This type of waistband adjusts as it continues it’s movement. And yet, it has boundaries; it will keep its composition during stress and will give you a little tug when it is finished stretching. This type of material doesn’t lose its integrity. Here are a few thoughts on how we can take on a more elastic mindset when facing stress head on:
- Give thanks- stressful moments help us recognize how awesome the non-stressful times are. Picking an attitude of gratitude shortens the stressful season.
- Be proactive- The holidays come the same time every year. Identify what triggers have presented themselves in years’ past and have your coping technique in place. Start practicing your coping techniques a few months prior so you are ready for whatever comes your way.
- Get creative- Be a trendsetter; help others navigate through the stress by leading them into an activity or by starting a new tradition.
- Be kind to yourself- Set healthy boundaries, say “no”, delegate, have an accountability buddy, book a massage….do whatever it takes so your family gets the best version of you.
As we approach new year, please try one or two of these action steps and let me know how it goes. You are deserving of health 🙂 I am wishing all of you a safe, healthy and happy 2021!
Wing Woman 