Did I Just Read “MORE”?
More
of what exactly?
Let’s take a moment to break this down. What is the purpose of this “Thanksgiving Holiday”? Before you answer this question, perhaps it matters the context of what you believe, your cherished traditions, the way you grew up, the religious (or nonreligious) standards you hold, the historical treasures of your origin, the desire to share this time with others – or to be in solitude, and the list continues…
Still, What is this about MORE?
This is about what you hold of value. What is important to you.
And, perhaps, who in your life is important to you and what matters to them.
Sometimes with the holidays or special event days we can be ultra consumed with the barriers that clog our ability to enjoy this time. We may have some hiccups in our psyche that create some emotional or relational stress. We may be concerned about everyone else (or having no one else) and their likes or dislikes.
What if we focused on enjoying MORE?
MORE…GRACE, GRATITUDE, LOVE, SELF-CARE, REST, RELAXATION, WALKS (OTHER EXERCISE YOU ENJOY), BUBBLE BATHS, FOOT SOAKS, SUNSHINE, FRESH AIR, PETTING YOUR PETS, MUSIC, SINGING YOUR FAVORITE SONGS, DANCING, LETTING GO OF THINGS THAT DON’T BENEFIT YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES, HOLDING & SNUGGLING YOUR BABIES, GRANDBABIES, FURBABIES, STUFFED ANIMALS, FAVORITE PILLOWS, PLAYING YOUR FAVORITE GAMES, CREATING -ANYTHING YOU ENJOY, VISITING WITH YOUR PEEPS OR ANIMALS OR NATURE, BAKING, COOKING, GAMING, PRAYING, READING, WRITING, DRAWING…
YOU Choose
It’s okay to enjoy the holiday meals and treats!
Some Helpful Strategies to Support Your Wellness Journey During Holidays:
- HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE (There is often hidden sodium, sugar and other things in holiday meals) – this means water increase:)
- Take short, brisk walks of approximately 10 minutes after a meal – it’s not necessary to carve out long periods of time for exercise and that can be difficult when in some environments, but it is doable in short bursts. It is also great for balancing blood glucose levels! The dishes can wait.
- play with children / animals often. play catch, go to a park, chase them with tag or hide-n-seek. Be creative!
- Take active photographs – do active filming
- Acting / improv
- LAUGH and make it belly laughter – this is a fantastic workout for body and soul!
- Dance
- Stretch
- Count housework as exercise and do in short bursts throughout the day
- Find other exercise snacks to do (push ups from kitchen counter, slow squats as you rise and sit into chairs, lifting canned goods as weights for a few reps, extra trips up and down the stairs).
- Play and have fun
- Add more protein and fiber to a sweet treat (i.e., fresh raspberries and walnuts/almonds to a slice of pie) as this helps your body. I know, adding more calories seems counter intuitive, but it will help you feel satiated.
- chew chew chew, place your fork/spoon down between bites, talk to others around you or if you’re alone read or meditate on something you like.
- ENJOY your treats fully without guilt – this is a time set apart for such things and you know how to moderate for your body’s needs.
- Listen to your inner voice/intuition – this will guide you.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Please feel free to share what’s worked for you during holidays/ special event times to benefit your life of “more” goodness and others around you. We learn together!
Chelsea's Checking In 
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