The holiday season is upon us. Are you feeling the excitement and joy? Or are you in need of some holiday health and wellness tips?

The Holiday Season: Excitement or Stress?

The media would lead us to believe everyone is walking around relishing the season—music, parties, gifts, gatherings, and spiritual renewal.

But for too many, it marks the season of too much—too much money being spent, too much rushing, too much travel and traffic, too much food and alcohol, and too many obligations.

What should be a special time of the year instead has many saying, “I can’t wait for the holidays to be over!” Can you relate? I know I used to feel that way. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day were stressful between rushing around to buy gifts, keeping up with holiday celebrations, and occasionally fitting in a vacation or visiting loved ones.

Finding Meaning and Joy in the Holiday Season

I’ve spent much time brainstorming with clients and friends about bringing meaning and joy into the holiday season. This year in particular, in the aftermath of a tumultuous political season, the looming government shutdown, and the spread of “Bird-flu,” it seems appropriate to look at how we can all make the holidays more meaningful, happier, and healthier.

Here are EllenG Coaching’s holiday health and wellness tips. If you have found ways to make your holiday season more joyful, please leave comments below to share creative ideas with all my readers. And I do wish you happy, healthy holidays and a joyous New Year!

1. Visualize and write down what your ideal holiday season would be. Who would you like to be with, what would you like to do, which traditions would you hold on to, and which would you skip? How would you feel on January 1^st if the holiday season was everything you wanted it to be? Now, list the top five things you want to do this month that will bring you joy and fulfillment, and schedule them into your calendar.
2. Say “Yes” to the invitations that excite you and “No, thank you” to those that don’t. We often think we are rude or unkind if we turn down an invitation when a simple, “Thank you so much. I appreciate the invitation but unfortunately will not be able to attend.” is enough. We don’t need to make excuses or feel bad. Having another obligation, even staying home and taking time for rest and rejuvenation, is honoring your needs and remaining authentic.
3. Give a gift from your heart rather than from your wallet. If purchasing gifts causes stress, get innovative with ways to give that won’t challenge your budget. Why not bake brownies for your favorite chocoholic or cook a lasagna dinner for your cousin who just had a baby? If you have creative talent, giving someone a handmade gift shows meaning and thought. “I owe you coupons,” such as a back massage, a night of watching the kids, or walking your dog for a week, are fun to think up and so appreciated by the recipient.
4. Change the format of your traditional holiday gathering. Rather than doing all the work yourself, why not host a potluck dinner? How about a night of cooking together with friends? Or try a wine-tasting party, where everyone brings their favorite bottle to share. Be creative. Parties do not have to be elaborate to be great fun.
5. Rethink your holiday traditions and keep only those still serving you well.  Sometimes, we hold on to traditions that were part of our youth, even if they no longer feel meaningful. Keep what feels right, throw away the rest, and then create one or two that make sense with your family unit as it is today.
6. Do not use the holidays as an excuse to neglect self-care. During busy times, taking care of yourself is more important than ever. Schedule your exercise sessions in advance.  With parties and shopping, your routine might need to change. Don’t skip meals thinking you’ll make up the calories at the office party after work. Get the sleep you need; you don’t have to be the last one leaving every get-together. Remember, if you wear yourself down and get sick, you’ll miss all the festivities. And if you come out of the season with 10 extra pounds, you’ll start the year feeling sluggish and bad about yourself.
7. Reflect on all the things you’ve accomplished in the past year and all the good things that have happened for which you feel grateful. Then, write down a few goals for the upcoming New Year. Make sure your goals have meaning and purpose and are not the same “shoulds” you tell yourself yearly. Ask yourself, “One year from now, what is the most important thing I want to accomplish to make me feel fulfilled and fabulous?” Start the year off right by breaking it down into manageable pieces, and begin the journey one step at a time!

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, these holiday health and wellness tips will help you sail through the last few weeks of the year and into the new one with ease. And remember, if you struggle to maintain self-care during the holiday season and throughout the year, I’m here to help. Book your complimentary strategy session, and let me help you create a plan for the New Year that will have you personally and professionally thriving.