Attacking the Holidays doesn’t sound very jolly does it? This year looks different, as we are trying to determine the risk factors of our own family Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers; not to mention the worry of keeping your family well during this unprecedented (how sick are you of this word?) times. If you are like me, you yearn for tradition, love of family and everyone gathering together. For our family, we have chosen to forgo Thanksgiving with our entire family. We will get together with our kids only. If I allowed this to take over my mindset and bring me down to the emotional sadness it brings, it would consume me and possibly derail my path of staying the course. Your feelings can range from anger, sadness, anxious, scared, terrified, and just trying to find balance. This year the holidays are even more of an emotional stress than the normal hustle and bustle.
Remember to give yourself grace and space to acknowledge your feelings. These times are real and what you are experiencing is real. As I reflect on all that is around us and what the Holidays really mean, I had to think about the new mindset I had created around becoming healthier and revisit those with the emotional health/mindset. It is just as important as you are working on your healthier life that you take care of the emotional side too. If you are not getting together for the Holidays, let’s look for the positive ways to make it work (even if it is different).
It is time to be creative! Think of all the ways you can make the Holidays special even if you are not gathering in a normal sense. The following are just a few examples to think about:
This year we are doing a Zoom call with my husband’s side of the family. I know it is not ideal but put the positive spin on it and be grateful that we have technology today that allows us to still “see” each other! What a wonderful platform to be able to use today.
Make your Thanksgiving meal and then deliver to your family members (obviously, only if they are close by) and share your meal with them, you may not be together in person but you can share your favorite recipes and foods with those you love.
Write down all the things you are thankful for, put them on a piece of paper and send to your loved ones. What a joy it is to receive something in “snail” mail!
Meditation/Prayer – I’ve been learning to meditate more and there are great apps that can help you with meditation and learn the science behind it and the positive effects that comes from practicing meditation. Self-care is so important and especially during a pandemic. It reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Prayer – Remember that your relationship with God is as important. Daily prayer blesses you, your family and those you pray for. Prayer can bring you peace and understanding of God’s plan for you.
Exercise – Always a great way to reduce stress, increase your endorphins and boost your immunity. If it is nice outside, go on a walk/run.
Please remember that it is okay to ask for help, seek a professional if you need to. Reach out to your family and friends.
I challenge you, as we approach not only the Holidays but also the next potentially scary months of Covid-19, to have a grateful heart, look for the positives even in the most negative moments. I keep going back to this, but I truly believe it is the foundation to all things in our lives, your MINDSET. Your brain is a muscle and the more you train your mind on positive thoughts, the easier it will become and then you don’t even need to think about it! Positivity happens when you make it a habit. Be grateful for what you have and remember that the bad times don’t last.
If you would like to hear more and also connect with others who want to take back control of their wellness and well-being, join us virtually this Tuesday, November 24 from 5:00 – 5:30 pm where we talk this week about the approaching Holidays and the stresses that Covid-19 has on our plans and that it may look a little different this year! If you would like to join us, please send me your email at journey4julie@gmail.com and we will send you the Zoom link. You do not need to be a Profile member to join us, everyone is invited!
Also, a reminder, if you are thinking about joining Profile (run don’t walk), please use my code Julie50 for a discount off your membership. If you want to just learn more before committing, they offer free consultations! Please call the Ankeny office (515-257-7050) and make that appointment, it will change your life!