I once read a book called Unplug from the Christmas Machine. The author advocates to let go of all the commercialism that modern Christmas brings. I was inspired by the thought and the title and decided to write something along the same lines regarding our health during the Holidays.
Turkey Day is past and so is the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the sweet potatoes covered with marshmallows, the gravy and of course, the pumpkin and pecan pies topped with whipping cream. Yummy!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday were also here and gone ... and now, we have about 5 or 6 weeks of work and personal parties leading up to Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year that will be packed with delicious food and plenty of drink.
If that weren't enough... there's also the stress that goes along with all these festivities. Rush, rush, rush to get all done. Presents, food and being in a thousand places all at once. With all that is expected of us, it is easy to throw in the work-out and the good-eating towel and just succumb to what's in front of us and then feel guilty about it.
So since we all know this could happen, let's make this year different. Let's make this year the year where we pre-game the Holidays. Let's make this the year where we will Pay Our Health First. What does that mean? It means that we are going to consciously do something for ourselves before we step out the door in the morning. And that could be anything we want – anything that makes us feel better. You can think about it in many ways, here are some simple ideas to consider:
EXERCISE: Wake up, do some light stretching and then do 20 crunches, 10 push-ups and 15 squats. There done! And if you're feeling like more, do 2 or 3 sets of the same. This will make you feel energized as you hit the shower and go do what you need to do.
SPIRITUALITY: Meditate for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Just sit in a quite place, close your eyes and try to unplug your mind from everything you know you need to do that day. The clarity you gain by doing so will help with everything you'll face in the day.
RELATIONSHIPS: If you know you'll not be home because of a Holiday party or just too much work, make sure you wake up a bit earlier and cook a healthy old fashioned oatmeal breakfast for you and your entire family. Throw in some cinnamon, pecans and maple syrup while it is cooking on the stove top. Add some bananas or apples at the end and watch your family as they smile and tackle their day with a full belly and a nourishing meal.
We never know what the day is going to bring. Good, bad or indifferent. But what we can control is what we do first thing. So, why not do something for yourself in the morning? That way, whatever the day brings, you can be reassured that you've already done something (key word is something) to take care of the most important thing: YOU.
I'm interested in your ideas. Feel free to send me an email or better yet, post and tag with #payyourhealthfirst. We will all benefit. Thank you.
Commit to thrive, Pay Your Health First.
-- Chris
