Finding Balance & a relaxing Holiday Giveaway!!

During the Holidays it is so easy to get "wrapped up" in the frenzy of everything going on and forget to take care of yourself and take the time to Breath and Relax.

The mad rush to get things done like shopping, cleaning, cooking, parties, more shopping.
The food-oh, the food. So many things to indulge in-no wonder the average American gains weight this time of year!!

With a little planning and a couple deep breaths, hopefully you can find a way to bring some balance and peace to your life this time of year.

1) Plan for Indulgences-
You can enjoy all the wonderful treats that the Holiday Season has to offer without blowing your waistline.
Plan for indulgences. If you know you want to have that peice of cheesecake or that cheesey potato casserole, allow yourself to have some. Notice I said SOME and not all.
The brain is usually satisfied with the taste of a food (ie cheesecake) after a few bites so keep portion sizes modest and eat slowly.
If you can keep to eating quality, nutrition foods for 90% of the time and allow for 10% treats, you will not have to battle the bulge come January.

2) Don't Skip Those Workouts!
Not only will working out help you with Tip #1, it is a know stress buster!! Feeling frazzled? Go for a quick 10 minute walk and you will usually feel much better after. Even if your schedule does not allow for a long workout, you can find a way to fit in a quick 15 minute session here or there.
I like to start my day with my workouts. This leaves me feeling energized for the whole day, it encourages me to eat clean AND I sleep like a baby at night!! (see Tip #3)

3) Don't Burn the Candle at Both Ends
We need sleep to survive. Quality of sleep is very important to our overall health and ability to function effectively throughout the day. When our lives become busy, sleep is usually one of the things that gets neglected. Try to stick to your regular sleep schedule and clock in 8 hours if you can. Avoid large meals before bedtime as well as caffeine after 3pm and limit your intake of alcohol. Minimize light, noise, and temperature extremes in the bedroom.

4) Remember What's IMPORTANT
During the Holiday's it's easy to get sucked into the commercialization-the presents, the spending, the stress of buying the perfect gift. This time of year is not about what you give or what you get. It's not about THINGS!! so remember what's important. You know-family and friends. Don't put yourself into debt spending money that you don't have on THINGS. Home made gifts are a great way spend time with the family (how about a family cookie baking night?). Did you see this post for a home made medal hanger?? Love this idea!!

5) Take Time to RELAX!!
Take some time each day to yourself to center and relax. One of my favorite things to do is turn on the Christmas tree and the lights in the window, turn on some Christmas songs and enjoy a cup of tea or cocoa snuggled with my girl on the couch.
Another great way to relax is to fill up the tub with a relaxing soak and just let the stress of the week melt away. Granted, this is a rare indulgence for me but one I enjoy!

Want to WIN some relaxation?

photo lovingly hijacked from Emily's blog

My friend, Emily at re-CREATE-tion is having a Holiday Giveaway to Celebrate You & Relax. Who's up for some Candy Cane bath salts?? me! me!!