So Much More than Salads: 4 Ways to Have a Happy Holiday

So Much More than Salads: 4 Ways to Have a Happy Holiday

Healthy doesn’t mean boring bland salads, or mind-numbing workouts you hate. Health is about finding something that gets you super pumped and excited about your overall wellness. I’m a holistic nutritionist that loves taking the ordinary, and making it kick a$$!  It’s time to get creative, step outside the box, and discover your own way to thrive. My mission is to help you find that path.

The days start to fly by, the hours turn into minutes, and you’re being pulled from all angles. You’re working overtime to finish up your work before you head out for holidays, trying to find the most thoughtful gifts for your friends and or family, crafting the latest Pinterest decorating ideas to wow your guest for your annual holiday dinner party... And before you know it, you have a meltdown and wonder, “Why me??!!”

You know what’s not happy about the holidays?  Stress. We’ve all been there, so let’s make a vow, to ensure this year we have the happiest of holidays we’ve ever had. Here are four ways to have a happy holiday:

Take a Minute

It’s time to put down that shopping basket, step outside and go for a stroll...sounds crazy right?  How can I do this when I have so much shopping to do?  It’s easier than it sounds, and believe me, once you do, you’ll be able to clear your mind, and focus on what you’re doing. Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and evaluate; do you need to go overboard and spend more than you’re wanting?  No. Show your love, without the feeling remorse over your credit card, by making your gifts using your hidden talents. Heck!  While you’re taking this pause, maybe you could even get crazy and meditate. Set a positive intention for your day. You can even use my go-to: “I will take time for me, and I will spread my love to others around me”

All that glitters isn’t gold

Let your holiday spirit shine through and be the life of the party. No one wants you running around waiting on them hand and foot, nor do you want to be slaving away in the kitchen while everyone’s enjoying each other’s company. Try making your party a potluck, so you’ll have time to relax and enjoy your party, and your guests will have a chance to share their holiday favorites. Your guests didn’t come to your holiday party to look at your decorations or to be showered in gifts, they came because they want to spend time with you, so enjoy their company and your party. If you’re in need of fun quick and healthy side dishes, you can check out our Vega Recipe Center for inspiration.

The Gift of Action

You know what lasts longer and is more fun than opening a present?  Getting active!  Make your presence count and take your loved ones on a winter wonderland adventure. Sled at your local hill, ice skate outdoors, or bundle up, grab some hot chocolate and head out for an evening stroll. We’ll soon forget the gift card we received from Uncle John, but we’ll never forget the time he took us to the frozen pond and set up a hockey game for the whole family to enjoy. The times that are most memorable are the times we spend together.

Practice gratitude

Now that we’ve learned some tips on how to de-stress and enjoy our holidays, why not pay it forward? Ever noticed how a compliment or a kind word from a stranger leaves you feeling like you have an extra pep in your step?  And doesn’t it feel nice knowing that you have the power to make someone feel that way?  Maybe you see someone in line at the grocery store and they seem stressed. Pay them a compliment, or offer to help them carry their groceries out. They have a lot of groceries and seem like they’re in a hurry?  Let them go ahead of you in line. It’s the little things that can turn someone’s day around. Try doing one nice thing for yourself (make time to go to a yoga class, have a relaxing bubble bath, or treat yourself to your favorite holiday tea or coffee), and then pay it forward, by doing one nice thing for a friend or a complete stranger.

What holiday cheer have you spread lately?