Fitness Fanatics

Holiday Greetings!!

December 5, 2011 at 9:20 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Well, once again it’s been a while since we have blogged.  But WE ARE BACK! and the wellness center is up and running.  We’d like to thank all our members new and old for their patience and understanding during our closure and transition and re-opening.  We will be having a member appreciation day on December 9th, Friday!  FREE guest passes to our members who check in, door prizes every hour, chair massage, refreshments, FREE water and coffee, and the only day of FREE ENROLLMENT in December!  Also we are hosting our Annual Christmas Bazaar 8-2.  The vendors are our members who will be displaying their many fine handmade items and other products that are for sale.  The public is invited to attend!

Although it’s easy to envision a marvelous, relaxed holiday season full of pageantry, positivity, and perfect pies, this is not what the splendor of the season always delivers. For many, this time of year is the most stressful.

If you feel stressed out by the thought of holiday chores, obligations, and the clan dropping in for a spell—or if this year’s circumstances make the holiday season difficult for whatever reason—start preparations now to manage your holiday stress.

 

Holiday Myth Busters —

 

Along with good tidings come high

expectations based on the

commercialization of the holiday

season, past childhood memories

we may long to duplicate, and the

expectations of others.

If family members count on your

“holiday magic” to make every year

special—the cooking, cleaning,

baking, decorating, and giftwrapping—

you face a bigger

challenge letting go or finding

balance.

Here’s how to cope better with

expectations, demands, and added

pressure during the holidays.

 

Decision Time —

 

Make a decision to take charge and

tackle holiday stress. This mentally

prepares you to enjoy the time

while facing demands of the

season with better endurance.

 

Your Priorities —

 

Decide on your priorities to make

the season meaningful. Did you

miss the tour of homes last year

because the Waltons next door had

their open house on the same day?

The idea here is to plan a few “nonnegotiable”

events for yourself.

© WorkExcel.com F031

 

Now the Rest —

 

What activities are important to

your brood this year? Seek to trim

the “idea tree” to reduce stress

from trying to fit it all in. A family

meeting to gather ideas can work,

and chances are activities you

thought everyone still wanted are

no longer of interest.

 

Avoid the Rush —

 

Are holiday lights on the house

critical? If yes, go for it, but if it

seems more like a “chore” than a

pleasurable task, that’s a clue

about its priority and importance to

you. Activities that feel like chores

get delayed. Pay attention to

procrastination. It is insight to help

you decide whether its thumbs up

or down on something that seems

desirable.

 

Fight the Blues —

 

If the holidays are a sad time of

year because of difficult memories

or because a loved one can’t be

there, then discover a personal

intervention strategy. Volunteering

for a local charity is an interactive

experience, and those who’ve tried

it claim it works to lift one’s mood.

You’ll feel empowered and more

positive, and the experience of

helping others anchors you to a

memory that lasts.

 

Navigating Family Conflict —

 

If you can’t avoid holiday

gatherings with family members

who experience feuds and conflicts,

try discussing with kin your desire

to avoid conflict. Be up front and

ask that differences be set aside.

Older adults criticizing teenagers is

a famous trigger. So are

statements from in-laws that

appear critical, interfering, or

meddlesome. Self-awareness is

power, so you stand a good chance

of at least minimizing the impact of

this behavior.

 

Take Care of Yourself —

 

What improves your mood—

exercise, positive affirmations,

alone time? During the year, have

you been promising to do

something for yourself, but keep

putting it off? Do it. The holiday

season is a perfect time to reaffirm

your love, not only for those you

care about but also for yourself.

We obviously encourage EXERCISE!!!  See you soon!!!!!

Trina