Create a December Wellbeing Vision
Yesterday I got a message from a friend that says, “love the holidays and I feel like I got hit by a train.”
Relate? 🤣
And according to the American Psychological Association, 89% of Americans will experience stress this holiday season.
{I wonder what a poll of just moms would reveal?}
Here’s where I remind us (again) that the way of wellbeing is through the seeds we plant each day. Even the tiniest ones.
So if that holiday stress train has already made contact or is headed your way, stay with us. Rather than abandon all practices of self-care and wellbeing, take a minute to regroup and read on.
This blog offers simple, intentional ways you can sprinkle more wellbeing into your life in the full days ahead by creating a Wellbeing Vision (based on coaching science but also many conversations with stressed clients through the years).
Back to the Basics
Oh sure we could cold plunge and and track our blood glucose, and if you can swing it, sure! But let’s streamline and focus on the pillars of wellbeing: rest, movement, nourishment, stress and connection. Then, create a December Wellbeing Vision that answers this question:
What does wellbeing in December look and feel like for you?What are the simplest ways to support your wellbeing through the holidays?
When you create a simple vision with loving care, you create a compelling image of the future that motivates health-promoting behaviors in the present moment. The goals are the blueprint to get you there.
With these clear in and place, you can self-regulate through the steady stream of eggnogg and expectations.
For example, here’s my December Wellbeing Vision:
I feel rested and present. I have plenty of energy to make happy memories with my family. I feel fit, strong, peaceful and excited to get back to work into the new year.
And here’s how I bring it to life:
Rest: bed by 10:00. Phone away at 9:30 for nightly peace time (gratitude/accomplishment journal, relaxing reading).
Move: walk Rosie by 8 am 5x/week for exercise and morning sunlight + pilates/barre 1x week + resistance training workouts 3x/week.
Nourish: Emphasize protein and fiber at each meal. Meal-plan and shop on the weekends for the week ahead. Savor small amounts of favorite treats.
Manage Stress. All of the above set me up for success. Plus, breathwork and cozy alone time daily are key for me.
Connect. Reach out daily to someone I love. Co-parent with my village over the loooong break.
What would your December Wellbeing Vision look like? What are some simple steps you can realistically take to achieve this vision. Jot it down in your planner or journal.
ThEN, SPRINKLE Extra Twinkle
The basics are plenty on top of all the rest. They are enough. You are enough. But if you feel inspired and have the bandwidth here are a few extra ways to bring more meaning and fulfillment to the holidays and beyond.
Create “white space”
As a mom and business owner, I know the next few weeks will be a whirlwind. Then January is typically one of my busiest months because old and new clients want to create Wellness Visions (life changing, highly suggest it, book yours here!).
Join me in scheduling “white space” into your calendar. These can be 15 min - 1 hour windows where you schedule absolutely nothing or something that fills your cup. Step away from the frenzy. Walking, exercise, meditation, NSDR, cozy baths, afternoon tea breaks, and Hallmark Christmas movies all count as white space for me. What activities would create delicious white space breaks for you? Imagine how much more energy and presence you’ll have if you design these into your December.
Focus on festive joy
So much holiday stress is self-induced (me too). Last year my amazing friend Katherine introduced me to the magic of Beth Kempton and her Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: a little book of festive joy and the accompanying podcast. Wow.
Beth’s work helps anchor me to how I want to feel and be this time of year, which has nothing to do with Black Friday or fancy gifts. She also generously provides a FREE Christmas planner that you won’t believe (you’ll need to scroll a smidge). Beth’s beautiful words, calming voice and refreshing take on the holidays are twinkle lights for the soul that will help you release the pressure valve of the coming weeks so you can create something meaningful and athentic.
But first, tea
I love herbal tea. Wrapping your hands around a warm mug of something delicious feels so nurturing. When it comes to tea, of course you can look for anything that sparks delight (strongly suggest organic with no plastic tea bag). But this is hands down my absolutely favorite herbal tea to keep on hand and to gift. Choose from organic, ethically wildcrafted blends created by herbalists that are medicinal for body and spirit. So many to choose from, but I tend to sip Wildly Healthy, Woodland Roast and Transcendence all winter long for flavor and health properties.
I’ve got my eye on this stunning tea set, too, and just treated myself to these sweet glass mugs to keep me company on client calls and writing sessions this winter.
Listen with care
I’ve set a goal this month to focus less on social media and more on uplifting and educational podcasts. Dr. Andrew Huberman has been on a roll – always, but especially lately. I’m listening to this conversation with the Dr. Adam Grant on finding your unique potential (for the 2nd time!) because it’s just so juicy. And following along with Andrew’s (can I call him that 😅) Pennebaker writing protocol practice for the month of December. Join us!
Kate Moryouseff recently interviewed ADHD icon Dr. Ned Hallowell on the topic of Worrying and Catastrophizing and it’s so useful/affirming for those of us who default to “what if” mode.
Finally, this heartfelt conversation between high performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais and Dr. Brene Brown is full of a-ha moments on courage over comfort, relationships, and walking the walk.
Nourish
My family will be enjoying a few extra treats of the season. My stepmom’s chocolate mousse cake is my favorite dessert of all time. And my husband’s family recipe for peanut butter balls is next level. So I’m really committed to cooking some healthy, yummy, filling meals to keep us balanced. As requested from a client, here’s this week’s kid-approved dinner meal plan:
S: Lemon chicken orzo soup. Made with fresh lemons gifted by my auntie!
M: Easy taco salad. Doubling the dressing to have on hand. Cilantro and scallions yum, and full of phytonutrients.
T: Korean Beef lettuce wraps My big kid’s favorite. I add bok choy or broccoli, cilantro and purple cabbage near the end to keep this a 1 pot meal and serve with coconut rice from this favorite recipe.
W: Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken Making this for the first time.
R: Night off (usually a Raos frozen entree for the boys + a veggie and leftovers for Ned and me). By Thursday, I’m tired!
F: Burrito bowls. Saute onion, garlic, ground turkey or grassfed beef and beans with taco seasoning and top with veggies, guac, cheese and herbs. Serve on a few tortilla chips and call it a “bowl.”
Lower the bar
If ever there was a time to lower your expectations and “underdo,” this is it.
What are you asking of yourself? Your children? Your family and colleagues? Swap high expectations for high self-compassion and you are more likely to tap into peace and joy this season. You can ride the waves of what comes up instead of tipping over when things don’t go as planned.
Share with us – what basics or extra twinkle will you use to brighten your holidays this year?
The Best GIft YOu Can GIVE YOURSELF
As requested, and in light of the world challenges, I’ve launched some new, very accessible 1:1 coaching offerings, including a 90 min Wellbeing Consult/Vision session and 30 min follow-up sessions with no long coaching commitment. Schedule now to set yourself up for health, happiness and success in 2024.
If you’re new, this is the place to start. If we have worked together in the past, this is a great practice to do once/year.
Self reflection
What are my easiest ways to support sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress and/or connection? How would I feel if I practiced them consistently in the weeks ahead?
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