Seeking Balance During the Holiday Season

Posted: Nov 3, 2010 7:41 AM
Updated: Nov 3, 2010 12:24 PM

Tis the season to seek balance. The winter holiday season can be one that brings much stress and anxiety for some. The key is to take a brief pre-session health and wellness inventory. Sit down, get a pad of paper, and put your thoughts and goals down for the holiday season. Start out with reflecting on how the season has historically made you feel. "I love this season." "I get depressed during the holiday season." What ever comes to your mind write it down. Think about the statement and identify why you feel this way about the season. Do you want the same outcome for this holiday season? If the answer is, "No." Think about what you need to do to make a change.

The holiday season is one in which many people either feel very good about or dred. Part of the reason is because of the routines or traditions we tie to this season. Not all routines and traditions are good for everyone. If you are not satisfied with your feelings toward the holidays think about the routines and traditions you have built around this time. Is it time for a change?

As a Health and Wellnes Coach when I work with clients who have difficulty during the holidays they often do so because of the routines they have built around the season. I work with the client and ask the person to list their routines and traditions. I have the individual identify those routines that bring them down. I ask them to select two or three of these routines that they would be willing to change for the good.

During this time of the year one of the common routines individuals get into is reflection on the year. Instead of focusing on the good the tendency can be to focus on the bad. I ask clients to strive to reflect wth balance. For every negative reflect on a positive. Retraining ourself to think of the positive is an important process to practice and learn to master. To look for the good is something which may not come natural to some. Taking a more balnced approach to the season is a good first step in changing our feelings towards the holidays.

This year take the time to reflect on the year with appreciation.

Take care and be healthy,

Kimberley