Pre-Christmas Post
Everyone is sharing something about the Christmas rush, so I don’t want to miss out on joining the “know-it-all advice-givers” either.
Here come the HOLIDAYS. First of all: you don’t have to be happy about them. Some people look forward to them, some don’t, and for some they’re just days like any other.
If you are looking forward to them — or feel like you should — how can you prepare?
First: try to loosen up. This is the hardest part for me too — this post is as much for myself as for anyone else.
One of my main love languages is cooking for the people I love, which is exactly where I can get tense. Luckily, that tension disappears once I plan the menu. Well before the holidays, I know what I’ll cook and for how many people. The shopping list is ready and checked off in advance. The fridge isn’t made of rubber, but at this time of year it’s filled beyond capacity.
So: relax. Avoid extra sources of stress. Plan the menu, plan the gifts, buy everything before the last week.
Planning, in my opinion, is a powerful defense tool against stress.
For those whose busiest period is the end of the year — when every day ends in zombie mode — being told to “just relax” can be infuriating. It’s my toughest few weeks too; I usually work on weekends as well. So here’s how I unwind.
I move at least 30 minutes every day. Walking is the simplest way — clearing your head daily does wonders. If that’s not possible, try meditation: in the morning after waking up, or in the evening before showering or bathing. About 10–20 minutes.
The most important thing: calm down — because that’s how you calm down.
And since you’re reading this in a group about weight loss and healthy living, let’s look at it from that angle too.
It’s worth letting go of calorie counting during the holidays. If you want, log what you eat — but don’t feel guilty if you eat three times more than you “should.” A few days won’t destroy a whole year of progress. And if the year wasn’t successful in terms of lifestyle change, it especially makes no sense to force it now. Try to keep moderation, but don’t judge yourself if you can’t. And don’t judge others either.
This isn’t the time for calorie restriction or strict diet challenges. You might just add more stress before the holidays. And once the holidays arrive:
- if you lost weight, you’ll spend the days worrying about not ruining your results, or
- if you failed the challenge, you’ll eat with guilt from the start.
Not worth ruining your mood — or anyone else’s.
What advice would you share with others?