Do you love the winter holiday season with its hustle-and-bustle? Or, do you look at your long, December to-do list and feel a twinge of “humbug” instead?
Either way, check out this list of timely resources… linked articles that I have recently read and wanted to share with you. The authors’ advice could be beneficial for your wellness.
While this list is by no means comprehensive, there are some great article links here. You’ll discover tips for combating stress, holiday humor, and a few ideas to benefit your well-being during this time of year!
Holiday budgeting, stress, and your family
Finances can cause us quite a bit of emotional stress at the holidays. In this post on his own blog, financial guru Dave Ramsey shares his wisdom about keeping a budget during this season.
But also, in this article, Ramsey shares some practical input about staying organized, focusing on your goals, and prioritizing your health. I thought his advice could be beneficial to my clients who are looking for stress relief, so check out his article here: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/holiday-stress
Get your vegetables in first
In this article posted on Self.com by Registered Dietitian Jessica Jones,M.S.,R.D.N.,C.D.E., she explains that many of her patients benefit from eating their veggies first! She shares good advice for a holiday dinner party: eating your veggies before the other yummy items on your plate, may help fill you up faster… and ensures that you get your veggies in.
I also appreciate tip #11 on Ms. Jones’ list. She advises that our holidays should be a time of celebration, relaxation, and not beating ourselves up. Click to read her full article: https://www.self.com/story/13-holiday-healthy-eating-tips-from-a-registered-dietitian
Cleaning & decluttering for holiday visitors?
Dana White is a mom who blogs (and podcasts) about her ongoing decluttering process. I love reading her blog (aSlobComesClean.com) because she’s so funny and relatable.
Dealing with your household clutter can cause a lot of emotional stress… at the holidays and year ’round!
So, read Dana’s advice for some great perspective and real-life tips on preparing your home for company. She says, “Remember that everything you do in cleaning your house has one goal . . . to make your guests comfortable.”
Check out her full article at this link. (And you’ll also find her videos and podcasts!) https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2010/11/how-to-clean-messy-house-and-get-it/
Or, if you’re feeling Grinchy…
In this article that appeared on Inc.com, writer Minda Zetlin shared some “non-holiday-ish” activity suggestions. I don’t think you need to “hate” the holidays to appreciate the activities she wrote about, however.
Some of her list items include: eat healthy; mindfulness; volunteer.
One suggestion on her list is “go to the spa”… hmmm! Awesome.
Whether you’re feeling Grinchy or not, you can read Zetlin’s article here: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/11-great-traditions-for-people-who-hate-the-holidays.html
Some insight about Grief and the Holidays
When you, or someone you know, has experienced a loss, the holiday season may not feel merry or bright. Even after some time has gone by, it’s common to experience sadness & raw emotions about changes that have occurred, and people whom we miss.
In his article that appeared in Psychology Today, Dr. Kenneth Doka shares some thoughtful suggestions about grieving and the holidays. I especially like his concepts of “Difference, Discuss, Decide, and De-stress.”
To learn more, check out Dr. Doka’s post here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/good-mourning/201811/what-do-the-holidays-mean-you