This year, yours truly, The Clean Eating Coach, is trying to do a better job of pacing myself when it comes to holiday gatherings and parties. I’m notorious for overcommitting and saying yes to too many invitations, wearing myself thin because I’m constantly on the go, and then starting off the new year feeling super tired. Honestly, there’s no reason why I need to be so busy and in motion. 

This year, I’m focused on slowing down, getting more quiet and reflective and only going to the gatherings that are most meaningful for me. Perfect example is that my mom and I are headed to a very special party on the 23rd.  Some former colleagues of my mom’s have a wonderful holiday party every year when they fly out to the family farm here in Connecticut. Every year they invite us and I have as yet to go.  My mom’s gone a few times but not in recent years, and as she’s gotten older she’s less interested in driving long distances at night. So this is the year for the Briscoe party and I can’t wait.  It will be great fun to see people I know so well and reconnect. For me, this is all about setting priorities during the holiday season.

Between several family gatherings, having my niece visit for an overnight and having a dinner party with some close friends, that feels like the right amount of  holiday cheer.  I’ve already said no to some holiday invites but that’s okay. For me, I’m getting more comfortable with setting boundaries and taking care of myself. With a busy fall, lots of working and sometimes not enough rest, I’m also making it a priority to take time off (two weeks in fact), get more rest and do things like catching up on my reading. I can’t wait!

What are you doing to make the holidays joyful and fun yet a chance to wind down a bit and take care of yourself? What would need to shift for you to put more focus on yourself and getting some rest as you prepare for 2010? Do tell!

And if you’re fresh out of ideas for how to take optimal care of yourself during this busy holiday season, you won’t want to miss my new MP3 recording, “Clean Eating During the Holidays: Outwit Holiday Overeating and Overindulgence.” It’s the perfect holiday guide to help you feel your best during and after the holidays and makes a perfect holiday gift too!  You can check out all the detail here: http://bit.ly/109omL

Filed under: Holidays, Overindulging, Self-care, Slowing Down