The holidays have an uncanny ability to bring up all kinds of emotions-ranging from joy, anticipation, and excitement, to dread, sadness, and loneliness.  It can be a wonderful time with friends and family or a tough time with friends and family.  Or perhaps a little bit of both!

A healthy approach to the holidays takes into account the emotions this season carries.  We care for ourselves more fully by recognizing the connectedness between our emotions and our physical wellbeing.  

A great practice is to be mindful this season of how you’re feeling.  If you’re experiencing negative emotions, ask yourself what need is going unmet.  Then, take steps to meet that need.  For example, take a break, get outside, say “no” to something, say “yes” to something, call a loved one, ask for help, or find a way to serve others.  If you’re experiencing positive emotions, ask yourself what need is being met, then pause for a moment of gratitude and recognize what led to that moment.

This mindfulness practice is not only helpful for our emotions and having our needs met (during the holidays and otherwise), but it can also help us with the more common healthy lifestyle practices:  nutrition and exercise.  

When we check in on our emotions and our needs, we may hear things like the following:

“I’m really feeling drained.  Perhaps the food I’ve been putting into my body is contributing to this.”

“I’m feeling a bit lonely and desiring connection.  Perhaps I should join my friend in that workout class.”

“I’m feeling very grateful for my health.  Perhaps I can embody that today by going on a run.”

“I’m feeling joyful and celebratory.  I’d love to make holiday treats for my coworkers and invite them to share in the celebration!”

“I’m feeling stressed out by the amount of holiday activities I said “yes” to.  I think I’ll ask for help where I need it, and respectfully bow out of activities that aren’t a high priority to me.”

“I’m feeling especially exhausted.  I think I’ll bypass my workout today and take a nap instead.”

You can see from these examples that checking in with yourself actually sounds very kind.  It’s like asking a friend, “Hey-how are you doing?  Is there anything I can help you with so you can thrive?”  

It’s also good to note that checking in with yourself doesn’t always mean the outcome will be choosing to work out or forgoing the sweets and treats of the holiday season.  The point, rather, is to trust the messages your body is telling you, honor those messages, and make decisions from there*.  

Why would we do this?  Ultimately, the healthier, more energized, and more fulfilled we are, the more present we can be to the events and activities of the season and to the people around us that we care about.  

When we’re present, we can actually notice how many blessings we have and see that truly, there are always things to be grateful for.  We can be fully alive and fully able to enjoy the moment.  And this is the path to true health-in mind and body.

One final thought: as wellness coaches, we walk you through listening to your feelings and needs, which shed light on your internal motivators and ability to succeed with the goals you set.  If discovering motivation to pursue your health goals is what you’ve been looking for, reach out to work with a wellness coach today!

No matter what you’re facing this holiday season, be it tough things, wonderful things, or a mixture of the two, we wish you an abundance of health and joy, peace and light.  

*If listening to your body is a foreign idea, or a very, very tough one due to years of shame toward your body, and/or experiences with disordered eating or eating disorders, know that there is hope.  One resource we’d like to suggest is Robyn of “The Real Life RD”.  Robyn does an excellent job of providing resources (paid and free) regarding this range of experiences.  Additionally, counseling is a great way to get assistance when we find ourselves hitting a wall in our pursuit of health.  

Written by: Brittni Paris, Wellness Coach & Blogger

Photo Credits:
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Photo by Craig Whitehead on Unsplash
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash
Photo by Aaron Wilson on Unsplash