Healthy Holidays! Take in the holiday message and live by its spirit.

Typically when we think of holiday time, we don’t think of better health. Often holidays cause weight gain, add pressure on our already limited time and money, and increase feelings of loneliness and stress. Is there a way that you can take the holiday message and apply it to yourself to actually improve your health? Yes, the holidays are about giving and caring and sharing. Surely, you read that and think about giving to others and caring for others and sharing with others. We can only nurture others when we are in a place where we are full of energy and spirit to give. Therefore this message is about giving to ourselves and caring for ourselves. How do we get to that place of healthy fulfillment? Do we wait for the nurturing that will rejuvenate our spirits? The answer is in the fact that healthy living is an intentional choice.

Make it your intention to nurture your spirit this season so that you can share your love and joy with others.

Answering the following questions will help guide you to define your self care plan. What activities do I need to fit into my schedule that will renew my energy? What can I ask others to do to free up time for myself? Do I treat myself with kindness? Does my self talk encourage me and nurture my faith? How do I need to change my behavior toward myself and my self talk to improve my energy and self esteem? What beliefs about giving to others do I need to change in order to live the true spirit of the season? Write down at least 3 ways that you will care for yourself this season. Write your plan and identify at least 3 obstacles that are likely to challenge your intentions. How will you resolve these obstacles?

May the love and caring of the season live within you!