Achieving Balance During the Holidays!

Hello!! How are ya this morning? I’m so glad you liked my first vlog yesterday! I always love hearing the voice behind the bloggers that I love to read. I will be doing some more in the next coming weeks, so if you have any suggestions about topics, throw them my way!

Today I’m at the computer all day doing work, so I’ll be sure to be cross eyed before the end of the day. I need to make lists, lots of lists. Lists that usually come in the form of number & letters on actual paper. I love crossing out…and I know I’m not alone!

I plan on working this morning, then holiday baking this afternoon. I need to make another list of things I plan on baking, most of it is going to happen next week.

Right now my mind is moving a mile a minute because of all the things I have going on. I’m trying to stay as balanced as possible and not let my stress get the best of me….because we all know what happens when I let it take over my life.

5 Ways I Stay Balanced During the Holidays:

1. This is an amazing time of year and I make sure I enjoy some homemade treats like biscotti and homemade cookies. I enjoy the foods I want. That being said, I try to pick the foods I am excited about and *basically* stick to them. If it comes out of a box and not from someone’s oven, I pass. Bottom line: Pick really special foods and splurge on them. On the same token, I make sure my meals are balanced and contain healthy veggies, proteins & carbs. If my meals are balanced, I feel balanced in my life. The more I eat out of wack, the more I crave eating like that. In order to keep a handle on things, I try to eat healthy, balanced meals, especially before going to parties. I even will eat a small snack before going so I won’t overdo it at an event.

2. LAUGH: If I don’t laugh I go crazy. My house is in complete disarray. We still have boxes and things everywhere. Our house is dusty from construction AND I’m having house guests. My house is barely decorated for Christmas (which is usually my numero uno priority) and I’m borderline going insane. If I don’t laugh and have fun…then I’m sure to be committed. Make sure you stop and enjoy this season and spend time with people that make you happy in your heart. And spend some time with photobooth. Really. Just do it.

3. REST! During this holiday craziness, I know I sleep less. I want to stay up spending time with family & friends, shopping, doing fun things, watching movies, etc. I try and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night to help my stress levels stay in check and actually feel rested in the morning. If 7-8 hours doesn’t happen, a 15 minute power nap truly does exist!

4. Move + ME: Holiday shopping DOES count as exercise! In all seriousness working out & exercising does wonders for my stress & energy levels. I fit in a workout by SCHEDULING it in the night or Sunday before. I don’t leave it up to chance to happen, otherwise it doesn’t. While you are exercising, make sure you get in some serious “me” time. It’s so easy to think of everyone else in this giving time of year (and you should) but it’s okay to stop and think about yourself. It will make you a better wife, mother, sister, daughter etc, if you keep up with your needs! How do you like to spend your time? Exercising, eyebrow wax, manicure? Whatever it is…do it!

5. Take deep breaths and ENJOY! Deep breaths slow the heart rate down and are cleansing to your body. This is the best time of year so really, make sure you enjoy every second of it. Don’t let perfect eating & exercising haunt you. Make the best choices you can while still enjoying what you are eating & doing. Life is meant to be enjoyed, remember that! And don’t forget to blast holiday music…that does wonders for the body & mind too!