Happy happy THURSDAY!
(You know this is my favorite day of the week!)
Today, I have THREE blog posts for you!
Not only do I have this wellness post here, but you can catch my new very delicious TURKEY, BACON & CRANBERRY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE (perfect for leftovers!) or check out the 7 SEPHORA + KOHL’S ITEMS THAT WERE IN MY TRAVEL BAG too!
At the beginning of June, I shared my personal SUMMER SELF-CARE LIST with you and today, I’m sharing my “holiday” version.
Ladies, this can be the most magical time of the year or it can also be a big fat exhausting emotional drain leaving us tired, cranky, stuffed, and unhappy. I know this all too well as it can even happen to me…the self-proclaimed Christmas Queen 🙂 .
Here is my own little list of ways I’m going to be proactive to hopefully stay “HOLIDAY HEALTHY” while also indulging in the seasonal things that bring me so much joy. Just like this summer, I’m going to share my list and then hopefully, you can share yours too so that we can all encourage one another/give tips and advice to each other so that we wrap up the year on a high and not worn out, exhausted and cranky.
Some of my “ways” are the same as this summer, but I’m going to include them again because they’re uber important to me. You’ll see a few of those along with some new ones too.
Here are 12 things I’m going to focus on this holiday season:
1: MORE SLEEP
Well if you read Tuesday’s post about my Oura Ring, then you know that sleep has become very important to me. Not just getting into bed but getting good quality sleep. I think you guys know this by now, but this is an area where I was previously doing the least amount of self-care. With the busy holiday season upon me, I know it will be tempting to stay up late and then get up super early to wrap those gifts, but my goal is to get 7+ hours of quality sleep every night. I know that I will be indulging in fun seasonal treats (as I should!) and maybe missing a workout or two because of the packed calendar, but getting good sleep should be an easy thing “to do” when I maybe don’t always do the other things.
2: INTERMIITTENT FASTING
I love to get my digestive rest and with the holiday goodies, treats and drinks a flowin’, I better get that rest when I can. To me, this is just the easiest way to get back on track/stay on track during the day when perhaps my evening meals/parties/festive moments are a little “less” on track.
3: LIFTING HEAVY WEIGHTS FOUR DAYS A WEEK
Yes and yes! My goal is four really focused heavy strength training days each week…but none of them lasting longer than 45 minutes. I personally don’t need to spend 60 to 90 minutes working out when, if I’m focused, I can get in there and get an effective workout done in less time. I personally feel my best when I lift heavy weights and keep my heart rate up. I love, love, love the FitBod app for strength training. I don’t need to be in the gym every single day, but this holiday season, I’m going to aim for four really solid days.
4: LOOKING AT MY PHONE LESS
Once again, I feel like that’s self-explanatory and something I need to lean into this holiday season.
5: BEING UNSCHEDULED MORE
As much as I LOVE all the “things” we do each holiday season, I also need time to do nothing. I need downtime, unwind time, sit on the couch and watch a movie time. That being said…
6: ENJOYING OUR FAVORITE TRADITIONS AND SAYING NO TO OTHER THINGS
The traditions we love are SPECIAL and those are the memories we’re making that I reflect on all year long. I am going to take time to make sure we’re doing the activities that are truly special to the Shull family and saying no to things that are not. Our time together is limited, so I’m not going to waste a minute of it on something “less than” for our family. Even if our family isn’t busy and we have nothing really to do other than watch a movie together at home, I’m going to chose that over “things” just because they’re being offered this holiday season. I’m going to be very selective with our commitments so that we have time to enjoy all of our favorite things with zero guilt about saying no.
7: INDULGING IN SEASONAL NIBBLES AND SIPS
I can get a sugar cookie 365 days a year, but I cannot get Jingle Jangle, so I am going to enjoy every bite of that seasonal treat while I can with zero regret. How often do we miss out on what we’re doing because we’re already too busy beating ourselves up over doing it? I will partake and enjoy in all of the seasonal nibbles and sips that make the holidays special to me and skip the things I can eat/drink the rest of the year.
8: DRINK MORE WATER
I personally should always be drinking more water than I do, but this time of year when I am indulging a bit more, I should drink even more water to keep myself properly hydrated.
9: PUTTING DOWN MY “TO DO” LIST
Oh how I love myself a “to do” list and I especially love a “holiday” one, but sometimes, I need to put that dang list down and just live in the moment.
10: GETTING MY STEPS IN
Whether I make it to the gym or not, I can try to at least get “my steps in” every single day. My goal is always 15,000 steps a day, but I’ve decided to *try* and get in 17,000 during the holiday season. Will I get it every day? No way. Does it hurt to try? Nope. It probably just helps me bump it up more than I would have if my goal had stayed the “norm”.
11: HAVING QUIET TIME EVERY MORNING
For me, getting that quiet and peaceful time every morning is the only way to start the day. I like to get up, get my coffee and have an hour all to myself in my quiet house before my kids wake up and my phone starts buzzing. This is truly one of my very favorite parts of the day and without it, I find my days a bit more chaotic and myself less calm.
12: REMEMBERING THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. This other “stuff” is fun and festive, and I enjoy it thoroughly but JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. This holiday season, the very best way for me to take care of myself is to prioritize my relationship with the Lord. Nothing else matters above that. He is the reason.
So, those are 12 things I’m going to really focus on this season. If you have some you would like to share, I know that I would love to read them! I’m always so encouraged by when YOU share. I learn/grow/integrate so many things into my life that otherwise I wouldn’t.
Head to the comment section and share your ways to stay “healthy” this holiday season.
Don’t forget, you can catch my new very delicious TURKEY, BACON & CRANBERRY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE (perfect for leftovers!) and the 7 SEPHORA + KOHL’S ITEMS THAT WERE IN MY TRAVEL BAG today too!
I’ll see you all tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
I love this list! The holidays can get so busy and it’s so important to keep doing things that make us feel like ourselves! I know i want to make sure im still being active and eating well in between indulging!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
Great little list!
Kara says
#6! I am going to read and re-read this one as I navigate learning to say “no” to the things that aren’t necessary this season! Life is so busy with 3 young kids but I want to soak in every minute! Thanks Shay 🙂
Jami Romano says
Great reminders 🙂
Lisa D says
Good health is my priority all year long. That being said, I, too, plan to indulge in a few holiday treats and have zero guilt about it! Focus on the ones you love and on honoring Christ’s birth. And that’s something we can do all year.
K.K. says
This is OH SO GOOD!! Thanks, Shay!
Sarah says
Thank you for this post today!!! I was just walking our dog and talking to my mom about how I was worried about this holiday season. You helped me remember that I can indulge in holiday goodies and not feel bad because I can increase my activity to offset that Christmas cookie. Your blog post are so motivating and thought provoking for me! So thank you again!!!
Kari Miller says
I love this post. Simple, practical ways to take care of yourself. It is so easy to run yourself thin during the holidays! I wrote a similar post, if anyone is interested…
https://karimillerblog.com/holiday-goals-fall-goals-report-card/
Laci says
wrap the gift as soon as I buy it!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!
Jill says
This post was full of such good. Thanks for sharing.
Kay says
I love this list so much! Thank you for sharing. One healthy habit I have recently added is to get three minutes of sunlight within the first hour of waking up. I read this tip somewhere, and I have to say it really works! I drink a glass of warm water with lemon (coffee later!) and stand in my yard for just that small amount of time. I find it helps me feel tired at bedtime and I fall asleep more easily and wake up easier too! I forget the exact science behind it, but it’s a really nice way to start each day. If its cold (I live in MA), then I stand in my doorway so I can get the heat from the house but look into the sun!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love, love this!! Thank you for sharing, Kay!
Leslie says
I just listened to two podcasts on this exact thing (Huberman Labs). He goes into all the science (in a relatable way) of why it’s so important to start and end your day with the dawn and dusk light. How it makes or breaks your circadian rhythm. I have implemented this habit as well and have noticed a difference in my sleep when I miss these moments.
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE Huberman Labs!!
Leslie says
Me too! Someone introduced it to me as Peter Attia “light” : ).
~B~ says
I really need to listen to this/look into this more as I am so curious…does my hour commute fall into time in the light, or because I’m behind glass, it does not. Curious!
Marisa Patel says
Your list contains those on my list, and now I have added a few more that I had not thought of. Thank you!
Michelle says
This list is great! I love enjoy the nibbles and sips of the goodies that are only around this time of year and skip the ones you can get the rest of the year. Love some Jingle Jangle!
Tamara R says
This list is great! But Shay, I need to know HOW you get in that many steps a day! That’s amazing. Do you just go on a long walk (or multiple walks) every day?
Mix and Match Mama says
It all adds up. Some days, it’s easier when I go for a 3 to 4 mile walk or a 4 to 5 mile run. Those days are easy (and happen about 3-ish times a week). Every single day though, I walk my dogs (so there’s one walk) and then I try to walk after lunch (even if it’s only for five minutes) and before/after dinner (again, even if it’s only five minutes), plus, I park far away in parking lots, stand and walk while I talk on the phone with clients and/or am on hold for work (versus sitting during those times)…I’m just always thinking about “how to get my steps in”.
Deb says
I love your list – many of these list items go out the window when I get too busy and things are hectic. Thank you for reminding me I am better when I don’t let sleep, water intake, exercise fall off the list.
Stacey says
Hi Shay,
I love your blog! I’ve been reading since Sean was The Bachelor=)
I love that you are using Clean Simple Eats. I’m sure you get a ton of suggestions but I have started intermittent fasting and I’ve found I love Just Ingredients website for so many amazing products. I know you love gluten free and I just ordered from Clean Monday Meals and can’t wait to try their seasonings without all the junk!
Alissa says
I truly love this so much. I’ll admit- I haven’t been able to read your blog every day because of those “commitments” and quite frankly just not prioritizing myself or my alone time. BUT I feel like God led me to your blog today to read these things because I get trapped in the go, go, go and with this being my absolute FAVORITE time of the year I dread looking back and wishing we would have just sat more. Did nothing more. I also want to enjoy without beating myself up about the yummy treats and sips. Tis the season!
Anyways, this really spoke to me and I’m glad I took those 10 minutes to myself to read this. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
And ’tis the season to YOU! Your comment really means so much. I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful holiday season!
Nancy says
I would just like to say Amen! And I enjoyed all of this!
Amanda says
Love this list. Great reminders!
Kate says
Thanks for all these good reminders. I too have decided to prioritize what we do but the things that I really want to make sure we do I’m putting it on the calendar! As a mama of a senior I’m being very intentional but want to make sure we get all those traditions in and be in the moment! ❤️
Katie Compton says
My daughter is a senior and my only, so I feel this in my soul. ❤️
Becky Harkins says
THANK YOU for sharing FitBod!!!! I’ve been active & fitness/health focused for almost 15 years now but after hitting 50 earlier this year, things just stopped working and I really wanted to focus on strength 3 days a week but get in and out. I tried this app and I LOVE IT!!!! It’s perfect and so easy to use!!!
Tish says
Love your wellness and health posts! Thank you for inspiring us and for educating us along your journey! As far as your morning schedule, you said you make an hour for your quiet time every day, then do you workout immediately after that? So basically first 2 hours of your day are quiet time and then get your workout in? I’m trying to do better with this and figure out a schedule I can make work for me with our evenings being so packed with all the things. Fun things! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s exactly right! The first hour is my quiet time and the second hour is my workout, so it’s two full hours each day (my workout is only about 45 minutes but those extra 15 minutes are changing clothes, getting my stuff). It’s a lot of “me time” each morning which I think really sets the tone well for me moving forward in the day.