enjoying the holidays
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Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! We enjoyed dinner at my moms and everyone brought a few dishes. It was a real united nations of a meal. There was mandoo which are Korean dumplings, turkey, smoked brisket, Chamorro red rice, potato gratin, baked beans, ham, pumpkin mochi, and tons more. It was all so delicious.
And although it can be an enjoyable time of year, it can also be stressful. I heard someone yesterday say they felt pressure that they were behind. Having a chronic illness can add to the stress, so it's a good idea to think about things we can do ahead of time to keep it positive and enjoyable and not overwhelming and unrealistic. Most of these we have all heard but it's a good reminder to help us not to get too caught up.
Pace yourself. Don't feel like you have to participate in everything and when you need to rest, rest.
Keep up your exercise. It can be tempting to skip or put off exercise during the holidays when there is so much do. But keeping up our exercise can actually give us more energy and keep us feeling better.
Enjoying holiday food doesn't mean going on a free for all from Thanksgiving to the New Year. Plan ahead to eat healthy meals between events. If you overindulge at meal, that's ok just eat normally at your next meal. The idea that since you've blown a meal, you may as well blow the whole day, but when you just get back on track at your next meal, you won't feel like it was a big deal.
No one has the perfect holidays, no matter what they say. Don't try too hard to create perfect moments. Seeing social media shots of everyone having the perfect time can make your imperfect life feel magnified.
It's not about stuff. Really. It's not about stuff. Do you remember what you bought or received as gifts last year? Probably not. Our family decided to purchase gifts for the kids in our family only and it has made it so much simpler and enjoyable.
Do something for someone else. Contact a local charity. They need lots of extra help during the holidays. Invite someone to a holiday meal who doesn't have a place to go. Bring some extra cookies to a neighbor. Helping others also helps us feel good.
xo-Kai
