5 Steps To Get Holidays To-Do’s More Organized

In my article 3 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress, one of the suggestions was to get yourself organized. 

If you feel overwhelmed with all the things you think you need to get done between now and the New Year, check out these five steps to get more organized and feel in control so you can enjoy the holidays better.

5 Steps To Get Holidays To-Do’s More Organized

1. Write down all you need to do. 

Grab a pen and paper and write down everything in your brain you need to get done this holiday season. This step will immediately reduce stress because you won’t be worried about forgetting anything.

2. Mark off what isn’t necessary.

Sometimes, we create more tasks for ourselves than what is really needed. Go through each item and if any one of them isn’t an absolute requirement, consider scratching it from your list or at least see if you can find a way to simplify it.

3. Schedule tasks on your calendar. 

Take your list and schedule these things on your calendar. Focus on the most urgent. See what tasks can be combined to make the most of your time. Add in travel and a little wiggle room time. Try not to schedule anything on the actual day of your celebration so you can enjoy being present in the moment.

4. Slowly tackle each to-do. 

One by one, work on each to-do. Multi-tasking too many things at one time can actually end up taking longer than if you did them individually, and they typically aren’t done as well. As you tackle each to-do, enjoy the satisfaction of crossing it off your list. Before you know it, you will have made significant progress.

5. Be okay if you can’t get it all done or it isn’t “perfect.”

We tend to over-commit and complicate things, but most tasks aren’t as critical as we think they are. If you can’t get something done or get it done to your expectations, give yourself some grace. What you were hoping to do will probably not be noticed or be “perfect” to someone else. Also, there is nothing wrong with asking for or paying for help to get things done when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes we are so busy trying to make a holiday memorable, that we miss out on what’s truly important. Give these steps a try to help you feel more in control and less stressed, so you enjoy the season. 

To a healthy and enjoyable holiday season,

Jen

3 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

As wonderful as the holidays are, they can come with extra stress and anxiety. 

Our schedules are fuller with special programs at school, parties with friends, gatherings with family, get-togethers with co-workers, and extra opportunities assisting those in need. Not to mention all the holiday decorating, traditional baking, and shopping for gifts. 

If you feel a bit overwhelmed this season, you aren’t alone. My clients and I are also feeling the holiday pressure. However, you can do a few things to feel more in control and, therefore, enjoy the holidays more.

3 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

1. Take some deep breaths.

When you start to feel your stress level rise, nothing works faster than taking a moment to do some deep breathing. It can immediately lower your heart rate, calm the brain, relax the body, and decrease hormone levels. All you have to do is close your eyes, inhale through your nose, fill up your lungs with as much air as possible, and slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this a few times. Doing some deep breathing doesn’t take long, but the benefit can help you the whole holiday season.

2. Get your to-do’s organized. 

When the list of things you need to get done is overwhelming, you have to organize yourself. Take all those to-do’s swimming around in your head and put them on paper. Dump them all. This will help you feel like your list is achievable and decrease your anxiety. For more on how to best organize your to-do list, see my article 5 Steps To Get Holidays To-Do’s More Organized.

3. Schedule time to work out and relax.

No matter how long your to-do list is, you can still make time to get a good workout done and relax for a bit. You can’t afford not to take care of yourself. Workouts might have to be shorter or different than what you usually do. This is okay. Remember this change is temporary. You can still get a good workout done in 10 minutes. Simply taking a walk can be a good break from all that is happening. And of course, be sure to just relax a little. Read a book, watch a holiday show, or talk with a friend—all ways to recharge yourself this holiday season.

Comment below and let me know: 

• Which of these do you already practice this time of year? 
• Which ones will you try? 
• Which stress-reducing techniques do you use that aren’t listed?

To a healthy and enjoyable holiday season,

Jen

How to Enjoy But Not Overindulge During the Holidays

In the previous article, I discussed the holiday struggle. The struggle to enjoy the holidays and all the food experiences that come with them but resisting the temptation to overindulge. This may seem unachievable to those who want to fully enjoy and be present without feeling “yuck” over the holidays, but it is possible. It is possible when you have an incredible plan. 

This article is all about how to enjoy holiday treats but not overindulge, so your holidays can be both happy and healthy. 

The foundation of this plan for success is based on the three non-negotiables for creating sustainable healthy habits. However, the focus of the six weeks over the holidays (Thanksgiving through New Years) isn’t necessarily about creating sustainability. The focus is more about: 

• creating sanity during the craziness of the holidays 
• not gaining weight 
• controlling your eating rather than allowing your eating to control you, and 
• having no regrets while you enjoy a slice of grandma’s favorite cake. 

And as I stated in the previous article, this is isn’t about restriction. It is about balance. And we are going to use these three non-negotiables as the system to create what we desire.  

1. The Right Mindset
2. The Right Plan
3. The Right Accountability

I won’t break down what each of the non-negotiables means. If you want to read more, you can see my post on the Non-Negotiables for Reaching (Im)possible Goals. 

#1 THE RIGHT MINDSET: 

You have to prepare your mind and thoughts to take on the challenges and “buts” mentioned last week so you can have a successful and healthy holiday. 

THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO HAVING THE RIGHT MINDSET:

1. Reword the language you use to speak to yourself and others. This can help you mentally shift from a victim of the holidays to a holiday victor.
2. Know your true why. Understanding your clear intent, your deep reason for doing this will sustain your drive and commitment to this plan. 

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR REWORDING YOUR LANGUAGE:

• I am not a victim of holiday overindulging. I am victorious in being healthy for the holidays.
• I can have balance and enjoy but not binge.
• I don’t have to say “yes” to all the treats. It is okay to say “no.” 
• My health is more important than whether someone's feelings get hurt because I don’t want to eat what they want me to eat.
• It is okay to want different things from my friends and family.
• Healthy food can bring family and friends together.
• Binging through the holidays, overloading on food and drinks, isn’t worth it. 
• To feel my best and be the most present, I need to keep healthy.
• It is okay for me to take time to do some exercise while visiting or hosting family.
• Holiday treats are okay to have, I am just picky about them.
• My body and mind deserve the best.

HERE ARE POSSIBLE WHYS:

• I am tired of feeling bloated over the holidays.
• I don’t want to gain any weight.
• I don’t want my New Years’ outfit to look or feel too tight.
• I want to end the cycle of not controlling my food through the holidays because it has made me feel yucky in the past. 
• I don’t want these treats and drinks to control me.
• I want to be a good example for my family. 
• I want to sleep better, even with all the activity going on. 

My holiday mindset: I am choosing to enjoy but not overindulge through the holidays so I can be my best physically and mentally during this time and not regret poor choices. Sweets and breads are not my boss. I do not have that “ugh,” “gross,” and “yuck” feeling. I want to be in a better mood more consistently and like how my body looks going into the New Year. I want to be a good example for my daughter and those around me.

#2 THE RIGHT PLAN:

It isn’t that you don’t know how to be healthier, it’s just that you haven’t used the right system to be successful. Part of the Right Plan is actually writing it down. So get out a pen and paper and start planning or the Healthy Habit Starter Guide. 

THE THREE MAIN STEPS TO CREATING THE RIGHT PLAN:

1. Focus on habits rather than goals. Pick 1-2 big habit(s) to focus on. 
2. Identify challenges and look for ways to overcome.
3. Create a plan and make a note of what you need to do to prep.

As we delve into each step I will give examples of how the steps might look for you, plus share what it looks like for me.

1. HABITS TO CONSIDER:

*These MUST have specific amounts, days, and/or times!

• Dessert limited to X times per week.
• No sugar and refined grains expect X times per week.
• Alcohol limit X glasses per week.
• Club soda in place of alcoholic drinks.
• Take something/make something healthy to all gatherings.
• Only one plate, rather than 2 or more, for any gathering.
• Half the plate or more of veggies for all gatherings.
• Don’t buy extra treats or keep them at home.

My 1 habits: Over the next 6 weeks (Nov 22 until Jan 2), no sugar or refined grains except for a maximum of 3 times per week at planned occasions/meals. I will make them of good quality and worth the taste.

2. CHALLENGES ARE:

• I love sweets, breads, and/or wine.
• So many parties and gatherings with food.
• I don’t want to hurt grandma’s feelings.
• Never ending treats given to me.
• It is colder and I want to eat more. 
• I am traveling during this time.

My challenges: Sweets and refined bread products tend to be my weakness and I can easily give into them at gatherings since I don’t have them that often. I frequently like to snack on a few tortilla chips in the afternoon and crave something sweet after dinner. Being at home so much, I have an increased desire to make and keep extra treats around the house.

3. PLAN & PREP SUGGESTIONS: 

*These MUST be specific. Success also lies in creating an environment to help you.

• Take something/make something healthy, veggie focused, to all gatherings.
• Make any treats I have not only planned but also good quality and good tasting.
• If offered something that doesn’t align with my habits, politely say, “Thank you, but no thanks.”
• I will pre-plan my travel meals as best I can.
• I will take healthy snacks with me as I travel.
• If I am staying at a hotel, I will ask for mini-fridge.
• If I am staying with family or friends, I will ask if it is okay to use their fridge for my healthy food. 
• I will substitute this healthy food/drink for this unhealthy food/drink I would have normally had in the past.
• Before eating out, I will look at the menu and plan the healthy meal I am having. 
• One plate maximum at all gatherings. 

My plan & prep: Eat only real food for all meals except the ones planned on the calendar over the next 6 weeks. No refined grains. Drink only water, club soda, or hot tea. On planned days, may enjoy 1-2 treats. I will commit to a predetermined treat intake before the event. Substitute nuts, veggies, or fruit for tortilla chips. If craving something sweet after dinner, I will have fruit. Enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve. Those are definitely planned treat days.

#3 THE RIGHT ACCOUNTABILITY

Setting up an accountability method seals the deal.

The minimal accountability commitment is using a calendar or planner to mark potential challenging events and days, days you plan to do your habits, and your successes. (Eh-hem...like the Healthy Habits Accountability Calendar).

The next step is to share what you are doing by getting an accountability partner and/or noting your journey on social media.

My accountability: Healthy Habits Accountability Calendar and the 7Core Wellness Facebook Page. 

In the end, you deserve to have a healthy, happy holiday time. It can be such a struggle, but you don’t have to do it alone. I am here to help.

To a happy, healthy holiday time!

Jen

The Holiday Healthy Habit Struggle

There are so many wonderful things about the holidays. Celebrating with friends and family. Time off from work. A break from school. Catching up with loved ones we haven’t seen in a while. A time of giving thanks and gifts. Cozy pajamas and beautiful lights.  Tasty food, drinks, and treats.

While there are many wonderful holiday pros, there are unfortunately cons, too. I am not talking about holiday traffic, fights with family, or battling the mall to get gifts (thank goodness for Amazon Prime!). One of the biggest challenges for many is the battle to balance enjoying the tasty treats with not over-doing it, not gaining a few extra pounds, or not feeling “blah” and “yuck.” Binge moments or consecutive holiday engagements can really diminish our ability to enjoy the holidays as much as we would like.

AFTER THANKSGIVING, TURN SOUTH WITH NO RETURN.

The downward spiral typically starts at Thanksgiving and goes through New Years. I say it can even start as early as Halloween with all the candy around.

Here are some scenarios when healthy habits go south during the holidays. Have you had any of these conversations with yourself?

Right after Thanksgiving weekend: “Whoa, I had so much at Thanksgiving and then ate out a lot with family, plus all the leftovers! I totally overdid it.” 

Early December until holiday time off: “Treats at work. Multiple holiday parties. Cookie exchanges. Treat gifts from family, friends, neighbors, clients, and coworkers. A little of each thing adds up. It all tastes good. I don’t want to hurt anyone's feelings. Oh, all the cocktails. Holiday Cheer, right?!?  And even though I feel kinda overstuffed and a little on the crappy side, hey, the new year is just around the corner. So this is temporary. After all, it is just impossible to be good through the holidays. So let’s eat, drink, and be merry, for January 2nd is only a couple of weeks away. Then, I’ll finally start eating better ...promise, this time I’ll do it and make it last.” 

Big holiday dinners to New Years Day: “So much good stuff and time with friends and family. I want it but I don’t want it. Remember January 2nd will be here soon. I am honestly feeling done with all this eating and drinking. I am not doing this again next year.”

January 2nd: “Whoa! I’m 5+ pounds heavier and have lots of bloating so I am now questioning whether the indulgence was really worth it. And although I want to change, know I need to change, where do I begin? I’ve blown it so much over the last month and a half. It seems like so much work to correct. Not only correct but then to maintain, too.” 

Does any of this sound vaguely familiar? I’ll admit, it has been my experience in the past.

HOLIDAY BALANCE? TOTALLY POSSIBLE.

I am not trying to be a Debbie Downer about the holidays, I just know from clients and even personal experience that the holidays make maintaining healthy habits a real struggle. The holidays are meant to be a joyous time, but can quickly flip to where you feel “blah” through it all and maybe don’t enjoy them as much as you would like. 

I am a deep believer in balance and not restriction. It is completely possible to enjoy the holidays and the treats that go with the season without either 1) going on a strict vegan diet and losing your mind because you aren’t having sugar or 2) continuously eating unhealthy and regretting most of your decisions to just have one more taste of something decadent.

No matter what time of the year, I typically follow these guidelines for enjoying treats: 

1. Plan them. It is something to look forward to because you know you do have a special treat to enjoy in the future.
2. Make them really good. Don’t waste the calories on something average tasting or, even worse, below average.

It is usually the unplanned or the mediocre tasting treats that cause the extra pounds. 

My three guidelines for hosting and/or going to gatherings are:

1. Eat something healthy beforehand. Attend more full so you might eat less at the gathering.
2. Make and take something healthy. You know you will have something healthy to eat.
3. Stay away from the chips and dessert table. Those are my weakest spots.

For other ideas on healthy eating at parties, check out this article and infographic.

ALL THE HOLIDAY “BUTS”

The above suggestions sound like great ideas and most people agree they should eat less, but then come the “buts”... Those “buts” are all the holiday challenges that make it seem impossible to maintain good eating. 

Now here is my “but” back…

But what if you could control your habits over the holidays so you: 

feel healthy, have more energy, feel better dressed up, don’t regret your poor eating or drinking choices the next day, enjoy the holidays more, feel better about going into the New Year, and don’t gain 5-10 pounds?

It is totally possible in a simple way and all the details are in our article How to Enjoy But Not Overindulge During the Holidays.

If you want some support and guidance this holiday season for staying on track with your healthy eating, schedule a call with me. 

To your achievable wellness!

Jen