This holiday season was super successful on the surface for me. Thanksgiving night I cuddled up after a day of family and food and started my shopping on Amazon. I continued to buy, buy, buy, checking items off my Google Keep lists as I went along.
I also sent out our holiday cards within the first weeks of December using a perfectly beautiful picture we captured this past fall.
I’m done with my Christmas shopping, I would hesitantly exclaim to friends.
But really all that meant was that my garage was filled with Amazon boxes. We still had the task of opening, organizing, counting, wrapping, double checking, and inevitable last minute buying.
For me personally, this week is the most stressful time of the holiday season. It’s when I second guess all of my gifts–especially now that I have two terribly excited little girls who I know are expecting the world on Christmas morning.
I couldn’t think of anything more relevant or timely than to share this Healthy Holiday Printable with you this week. I also find this all extremely applicable moving into next week while trying to fit it all in and prepare for the New Year.
Mindfulness
This is above all the most important term to remember, not only during the holidays, but in everyday life. The word mindfulness is tossed around a lot lately, but do you really know how to put it into action?
image from Google
During the holidays, it’s way too easy to get caught up the moment. Being mindful this time of year can simply be the act of recognizing a stressful situation (possibly something that shouldn’t necessarily be stressful), closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and reminding yourself of the goal–happiness and joy.
Preparedness
So this is one area I thought I excelled in this year–and to an extent, I did. Being prepared in advance takes a lot of unnecessary stress off the table. Starting my shopping early, staying organized with Google Keep, and getting my cards out early helped so much. With two growing girls, I’m sure I’ll constantly be evolving every year and I plan on saving notes from this year so I can refer back next year. Stocking stuffer ideas, number of big presents, teacher gifts, holiday baking, etc. Maybe the same way I created a Google Sheets Editorial Calendar for blogging, I can create one for the holiday season?
Freedom
I am all about yummy treats, and I usually do give myself the freedom to enjoy (unless I’m being super strict to reach a goal!) so the holidays are no different. The key is to recognize what is worth it and what is not going to be.
Health
The busy nights and work parties are all set to derail healthy goals. And while having the freedom to enjoy the delicious holiday treats is important, we all know how horrible it feels to completely fall off the wagon. During this time it’s important to make healthy choices and get in workouts whenever possible. Without a conscious effort to stay healthy, it’s all too easy to let it go leaving you in a less than desirable spot moving into the New Year.
Positivity
Above all else, a strong positive outlook will more than likely squash negative thoughts and emotions. Be sure to stay laser focused on a happy, healthy, successful new year. Even if you don’t normally journal, now is a great time to open up a notebook and just brain dump goals. I recently started bullet journaling in a notebook, and I find that even if I do it consistently, it allows me to reflect and have the opportunity to be more mindful of my thoughts and focus more on positive goals.
The Printable
So this all sounds great, right? Yeah, right. Until the daily grind starts up and these 5 Keys are out of sight out of mind. That’s why I thought it would be perfect to create a printable to keep them on the forefront of your brain.
I decided to create a half size for the fridge or bulletin board at home. Since you’re more than likely printing on standard size paper, the half size is actually two halves on landscape orientation. One side the printable 5 Keys and the other side the full text in case you wanted to read it over or share with a friend!
Click the link below–no signing up for anything, just enjoy!
5 Keys to a Healthy Holiday Printable Reminder Sheet
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Preparedness is always good! Happy holiday and thanks for the link up
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…17 Ways To Start Off 2017 on a Healthier Note
I know! My Google Keep lists have helped me so much this year!
Happy Holidays! Preparedness can definitely go a long way. But there are only so many things you can prepare for, lol.
Totally! That’s why the mindfulness and positivity are important too! 💜
I love this! I am the same as you: I get everything ordered from Amazon right after Thanksgiving and then scramble the final week with finishing touches. I love your 5 tips, especially the positive thinking. It’s something I struggle with constantly, so maybe journaling is something I should try. Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Jenn @ Run With Sole recently posted…A look back at 2016!
This week is the most stressful for me with all the scrambling, so I thought others might be in the same boat!
Great tips! Every year I think I have SO much time to get everything done, but am always doing some things last minute. And we travel a lot next week so thanks for all the healthy tip reminders!
There are almost always last minute things to do, but keeping these in mind can make it just a little better!
Starting my shopping early and being prepared definitely has help though I do still have a few things to get, haha!
I was prepared, but yes, still have things to do! My daily to do list has kept me sane and focused!
I think positivity and mindfulness are the two most important parts of the holiday season. The gifts are just things. It’s the memories you make with family that matter. So be present with them instead of stressing over making one more batch of cookies.
Exactly! We must remember what’s important.
I love all these tips! Mindfulness is key for me. My main goal is to be in the moment, put down my phone, and enjoy time with family. I plan on a mini blogging break, too!
I hear ya! It really takes a conscious effort!
Ok, now I have check out google keep. Love your tips, thanks for sharing and hosting!
Autumn @ AutumnPTW.com recently posted…4 Ingredient Melania Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Thanks Autumn! I’ve known about Google Keep for a while now, but recently started using it consistently–loving it! Thanks for linking up with us!