From edie@ediets.com
Forgive me if I seem a tad more scatterbrained than normal this month. My “To-Do” list is unbearably long. There are holiday cards to write out and send, frazzled mall crowds to face, countless gifts to buy and wrap, decorations to be hung, parties to attend, costumes to create for the kids’ holiday pageants, baked goods to whip up… Ugh! Is it January yet?
I am sure my list looks very much like yours. It is a wonder that we all even make it to New Year’s with our sanity intact!
There is a lot to tackle each holiday season, but this year I want you to “think about you” a lot more. I am not saying you shouldn’t do your traditional chores and cater to others. But make a few key adjustments and come 2006 you’ll thank me for it! Here are a few stress-reducing things to mull over:
1. Buy It, Don't Bake It! Yes, I know everyone loves your baked goods and you love to hear them rave at the parties. But for the time it takes you to bake the treats for all the different functions you plan to attend (not to mention the extra calories you’d consume “taste testing” your goods) you can spend time on other meaningful chores. Bonus: There will be no leftovers to tempt you!
2. Find Time for a Walk! Yes, it’s so easy to make excuses to skip exercise this time of the year. But in the end you only hurt yourself. A nice, brisk 20-minute walk will not only invigorate you, but will also give you more energy to get through the day and help release that pent-up stress. The extra calories you burn are a major plus! Be good to your body and don’t make excuses this holiday season.
3. Avoid the Sugar Shock! Yes, the desserts are tempting. And yes the holidays only come around once a year. But before you slip “just one more” small cookie or candy cane into your mouth, take a moment to consider that although small in size, those heavenly goodies are sugar filled devils that pack a big calorie punch. Who wants the gift of weight gain? Stick to fiber-rich foods to fill you up at dinner. There will be less room for dessert!
4. Get Adequate Rest. There aren’t enough hours in the day to get all your work done. But by sticking to your normal sleep routine, you’ll be able to better cope with the added holiday stress. Plus, sleep is important for a healthy immune system. Flu season is here so you’ll want to keep your body’s defense system at its peak!
5. Request & Give Healthy Gifts This Season! What can be healthier for your body than a gift certificate for a stress-relieving massage? Of course, a new purse is always nice, but request and give gifts that your friends and family members don’t usually buy for themselves. The gift of good health never goes out of style. Below I have listed my top “healthy gifts to give” this year. You will love each ands every one of them!
Have a happy and healthy holiday!