Holiday Mindset Prep

Rita Thompson, NBC-HWC

National Board and Mayo Clinic-certified Health & Wellness Coach

The holidays will be here before we know it, and with any shopping or festive meal planning you do, it's a good time to step back and think about how you can take good care of yourself throughout the holiday season. 
 
While this is a celebratory time, mixed in for most of us are sticky relationships, overwhelmed schedules, or feelings of loss and loneliness. 
 
There is no good time to stop taking care of yourself, including the holidays.

So, how can you prep your mindset for the holidays?

1. Stick with your usual exercise or movement routine as much as possible.

Since your schedule might be different, aim to keep up with about 75% of your normal physical activity. Exercise is a pillar of physical health, mental health, and symptom management (if you live with chronic conditions.)

2. Structure your time with sticky relationships.

Bring a game or suggest an activity to focus everyone on something fun and neutralizing. You may also want to abbreviate time spent with these people, with a “quality over quantity” mindset.

3. Schedule quiet times to rest or reflect.

Consider putting appointment times in your calendar to rest your body, mind, and/or spirit during the holidays. While in theory the holidays are meant to be relaxing, they can be draining if we don't set quiet time aside.