Remember Elvis’ Blue Christmas? Don’t cave in to those feelings! Stay strong! 2013 isn’t over yet. Although summer is already a thing of the past, and we are already well into autumn, it isn’t time to hibernate yet! It’s time to reflect.
Did you know that we have a natural tendency to snuggle up? The change in weather causes a change in our bodies that shifts our emotions. This is where a lot of seasonal depression ends up coming into play. Brian Sanderoff, my lovely holistic pharmacist that I have referred to in previous articles notes, “The change in the weather causes us to try to conserve energy and seek out sources of heat that do not require the burning of calories…so we are drawn towards sharing body heat with others!” Now is the time to grab your friends and loved ones and dig deep! Try not to allow the falling leaves send the seasonal emotions to your body; embrace it and find the love in it. Get ya body movin’!
How do you feel about 2013? Do you remember the goals you set earlier in the year? Did your goals get abandoned over the summer while soaking up the rays?
You’re already back on track now that school has begun and routines have become normal again. However, we are quickly approaching the busiest time of the year. The days seems shorter because it gets darker earlier, and when we are quickly reminded about the upcoming holidays the “Grinchy-ness” already begins to stir inside. People are already beginning to remind you of “x” weekends until Christmas. And, goodness knows the stores already abandoned Halloween before October was over to prepare for all the festivities. Now, November has started and the holiday festivities are in full effect—I even saw the Mercedes’ commercials with Santa Claus in his “new sleigh!”
Don’t pack on the winter hibernation pounds yet, it is time to prepare to ensure a thoroughly kick-butt rest of the year.
Last year I presented the idea of assisting others through the holiday season and offering the gift of you. So many of us already have so much, and instead of purchasing items that are just going to be given away later—why not help the other person finish off their year with huge success and love? Team up with those closest to you, and lend a helping hand. You have 2 months left, what can you do? How can you rock the rest of 2013? Here are 3 ways:
1. Are you being realistic in your expectations, or are you over-extending yourself?
Something I’ve been working on a great deal is the idea that things do not need to be perfect; sometimes they just need to “be.” “Just be” is what I have been working on reiterating in my life. Sometimes mediocre is ok! My personal best is all I can truly give. Anything more than that is unrealistic. We have to be ok with us, right now. Accept that. There is always room for growth, but if we are striving for some unachievable expectation we may be setting ourselves up for failure—for a looong time! I’ve learned that if I just sit back and breathe, my stress will not overcome me and I’ll simply be a better and healthier person. And, I’ll have FAR less belly fat! Having unrealistic expectations is easy because of the way our world focuses on the hot, sexy, or latest and greatest.
2. Are you being true to you?
The holidays present a number of ways for goals to be sabotaged. Do not set yourself up for perfectionism (see above). There are certainly ways to prepare, but you’re only human and you only live once. Think about what you truly want to do, and how you want to live. Present yourself with realistic expectations. Remember, this is a lifestyle change and sometimes tweaks are needed. Diets do not work—ever! Other times things may “just work.” Be true to you. Believe me, I’m not going to indulge in something that I can get at the grocery store, but if my Momma makes her thoroughly delicious “love cookies” you bet your butt I’m eating at least 1!
3. Ask for help.
Sometimes we just need someone to hold us accountable. Back to hibernation—REACH OUT! Don’t hole up in your warm spot—as tempting as that is. Tell your friends, family, spouses your goal and ask them to help you. This is sort of a recap for the year. I’ve presented so much material to you, reasons why you should love yourself, ways for you to step outside your box and love yourself…can you see the pattern here?
Alleviate stress and breathe easier.
Hibernating from the cold–Have an indoor family fun day and MOVE.
LOVE YOURSELF! You’re awesome. Stop delaying and dig into that inner “awesome-ness!” If you need more ideas, you know where to find me! Ask! Use me. I’m here for you!!
