5 Tips to Thrive This Holiday Season

December 14, 2014 ‐ Sylvaine HughsonPosted by ‐ Under: Peak Performance

5 TIPS TO THRIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

While the next few weeks may be jam packed with office parties, family gatherings, and last minute holiday shopping – it is important to remember that small consistent action steps can have a powerful impact on how you will experience this festive season. For those of you, in the past, who’ve felt as though you barely survived this time of year – read on!

Here are 5 of my favorite tips to help you thrive in the coming weeks:

1. Get Back to Basics

Something as simple as remembering to drink lots of water and resting when you can will help you feel focused, energized, and at your best. Our bodies need adequate fluid levels to be able to function optimally. Feeling sluggish, having a mild headache, experiencing brain fog, dull skin, etc. may all be signs of dehydration. Give yourself and your body the attention you need and deserve by simply increasing your fluid intake. When it comes to rest, sleep is one of your most powerful allies in boosting your immune function and keeping you healthy. Sleep also helps improve overall wellness, beauty and even your mood, which gets you and your new year off to a great start!

2. Shift Your Focus

As we all know holiday season eating tends to involve heavier, richer foods, lots of alcoholic beverages, and sweets. Sugar alone can create a rollercoaster-like effect for your energy levels giving you lots of energy at first, followed by a sudden and significant drop. Start shifting your focus now from the foods you are eating to a different kind of nourishment – the sheer enjoyment of spending time with those you love. Fill yourself up with the warmth, laughter, and pleasure of really focusing your attention on those around you and creating memories worth savoring. You may be surprised at how quickly food will become less of a focus for you and you’ll naturally steer clear of the pitfalls of holiday eating.

3. Check in & Unplug

The busier and more stressed you get, the more important it is to create opportunities for you to unwind and unplug in your life. Make no mistake – there are times when doing nothing can literally be the most productive long term activity you can possibly accomplish. Take a breather when you need to – turn off your phone, tablet, and TV and just allow yourself to “be” for a few moments. This is your time to catch your breath and recalibrate. What’s coming up for you? It is in these moments that you will have the greatest insights in terms of any important decisions you need to make or delicate situations you may need to handle.

4. Be Selective

I cannot say this enough – choose your stressors wisely. Just because everyone around you may be having a holiday meltdown over the pressures of this time of year does not mean that you need to be feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Do not make someone else’s drama your own. Be proactive and remember to keep yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to your emotions and the experiences you choose to create for yourself.

5. Set Yourself up for Success

Just remember, the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year is only temporary. Start to set yourself up for success in the New Year by establishing rituals in your daily life that allow you to become more present and nourish yourself. Good examples of this are meditation, yoga, going for a run, reading a good book that you enjoy, and catching up with friends. Begin to see each day as a series of opportunities to create a life that you love by design rather than by default.

Here’s to thriving and not just surviving this holiday season – Happy Holidays!

Warmly,

Sylvaine