Holiday Mindset Anne Doll-Pollard
Holiday Mindset
Focusing on health and wellness during the Holidays may seem like just one more thing we have to do during an already crazy time of year. Our kids are busier with activities. Our parents may have more expectations. Our work lives involve more activities. The gym we go to is having an event. There is a holiday special we can’t miss out on. There are community and church services that need our attention; all in an atmosphere where food, drinks and celebrations seem to be central. How is it even possible to focus any attention on ourselves when there simply is not time? How can we “pay ourselves first” when there are so many extras that have the potential to drain our energy and resolve? It can be so tempting to ignore our goals and needs and tell ourselves we will just start or resume our wellness journey in the New Year. Imagine, though, getting to January 1, 2022 having enjoyed the Holidays and having remained committed to our own health and wellness!
Mindset Mantra #1
Pay yourself first - Financial advisors have been preaching this for years. The premise is that even tiny bits of savings over time will grow and provide a cushion and additional income. This happens for a number of reasons, and one of them is simply the habit of putting yourself very first when it comes to your finances. It absolutely works for savings, and it will absolutely work for mental, emotional and physical health. Filling your own bucket a tiny bit everyday will leave you reserve when the stress and commitments of the Holidays put a drain on that bucket. Financially, it may not be possible to pay yourself large percentages in all seasons of life, but over time it won’t matter if you always pay yourself something. The savings will compound. Wellness is the same. The Holidays may be a time that it is impossible to spend large chunks of time at the gym or cooking a perfect meal or reading that motivational book, but if we remain committed to doing something for ourselves every day, the benefits will continue to grow. Pay yourself first this season by getting some extra sleep or going for a 10 minute walk outside. Pay yourself first by listening to your favorite Holiday song or by meditating in front of the fire. Pay yourself first by fueling your body with nutrient dense food that will energize and nourish you. Pay yourself first by giving yourself permission to say no.
Mindset Mantra #2
Serving others is serving ourselves
“For it is in giving that we receive” -- St. Francis
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” -- Ben Carson
“I have found that among its many other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver” -- Maya Angelou
The list of quotes referencing giving and receiving is extensive and diverse. From Biblical time to modern day, many smart people have realized that we can fill our buckets and pay ourselves first by simply doing for others. All the extras that go along with the Holidays have the power to energize us if we can identify the traditions or events that we get the most out of. Sometimes we are faced with choices during the Holidays. When we are giving our time or talents, it’s okay to choose the events, celebrations or volunteer opportunities that we receive the most joy and satisfaction from. Go all in on the belief that you will receive more than you give to others this season.