We find ourselves in those strange days between holidays, with two celebrations falling in the middle of the week. It’s essential to find balance during this time. I’m writing this as I deal with a stomach ache from holiday meals while preparing for New Year’s dinner. That’s why today, I’d like us to reflect on our well-being during these important, yet often overwhelming, days.
The perfect balance doesn’t exist, and it will be different for each person. However, it’s necessary to pause and reflect on how we’re feeling. It’s important to feel good and start the new year with a sense of well-being. Here you’ll find a few tips for staying balanced during these days. Let’s do this!
The Importance of Finding Balance
Nothing in excess is good. Clearly, I say this with the benefit of hindsight. During Christmas, I indulged a bit too much in the food, and I’m still paying the price. What’s important is recognizing which foods or drinks leave us feeling heavy, bloated, or uncomfortable and reducing those. I’m not a fan of cutting out foods or depriving ourselves of the things we love. Instead, we can find a balance between what nourishes us and what brings us joy.
The first step is to recognize how we feel after eating certain foods. For example, gluten and processed flour tend to make me feel bloated and cause discomfort in my stomach. As much as I love these foods, I’m working on reducing my intake because, after a binge, I genuinely feel awful.
Just like with food, finding balance in our emotional and spiritual lives is crucial. These times can be chaotic and emotionally charged. So, we must not forget the personal growth and work we’ve been doing throughout the year. We’ve grown a lot.
5 Tips for Finding Balance
Finding balance means finding well-being. That’s why I’m sharing these tips to help you feel good and stay connected with yourself during the post-holiday period.
1. Keep a Routine
I know these days have been full of movement and changes, and it’s been hard to stick to your usual routine. Try to get back into your regular habits, even if it’s just a small step at a time. Establishing a sense of normalcy is vital for both your mental and physical health. Healthy habits are crucial, see why.
2. Find Balance in Meals
Go back to your purpose and remember why you started making healthier choices. If you slipped up during the holidays, don’t worry. You can always do a little detox and get back on track. It’s about long-term sustainability, not perfection. Find some Stress-Relieving Foods here.
3. Sleep Well!
According to the University of California, getting enough sleep plays a critical role in your weight, emotional well-being, blood pressure, mental and physical performance, and much more. Prioritize your rest and allow your body to recharge. Learn here how sleep shapes our happiness and health.
4. Stay Active
These cooler months are a great time to take care of yourself while staying active. Try to find activities you enjoy that keep you moving—whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a workout routine.
5. Reflect on Your Emotions
Let’s put the resolutions aside for a moment, focus on everything we’ve experienced, and reflect on our emotions. It’s a good time to ask yourself:
- How am I feeling today? How do I really feel?
- What thoughts are disturbing my mind? Can I change them or work on letting them go?
- What were the happiest moments of the past year?
- Who are the people who add value to my life?
Self-Care Tips for the End of This Holiday Season
1. Find Time to Meditate
Meditation brings many benefits for our mental health. During these emotionally charged times, take moments to meditate and reconnect with your inner self. “Meditation and spirituality completely shifted how I saw myself—from someone who needed to control everything and look outside for answers, to someone who felt deeply connected, capable of trusting, surrendering, and flowing with life”, says Renee Walker.
2. Hug Yourself
This simple yet powerful action can make a huge difference. Physically and spiritually embrace yourself. After all, you’re the one person you’ll spend the rest of your life with.
3. Make a Vision Board
This time of year is perfect for projecting into the future and visualizing the things you want to manifest in the coming year. Learn how to make a Vision Board here.
4. Socialize
Community is really important for our well-being. Spend quality time with loved ones or even connect with others virtually if needed.
5. Digital Detox
Disconnect to reconnect. Spend some time in nature to unplug from the noise of daily life and refresh your mind. Digital Detox is essential for our mental health.
