We all do it to ourselves on Valentine's Day. We work weeks ahead to prepare and the holiday hits us like a high speeding train. Lack of sleep, stress, drinking alcohol and binge eating can add up and compromise our health. Our health and well being tends to take a back seat, as we move faster through the holiday to get the job done. By the time February 16th rolls around, we feel spent and burnt out.
So how do you get back to normal? Here are a few tips to help you get there.
Take a step back and take stock. Give yourself credit for making it through another holiday and focus on all the things that went right. Too often our focus is on our shortfalls and we neglect to celebrate the milestones and accomplishments we've made along the way. Take time to reflect.
Change your attitude. Having a positive outlook and spending just one moment of a day being grateful for what you have will will change your attitude. Everyday, in the shower, driving in your car, before you fall asleep at night, say to yourself how grateful you are to be alive. Life is short - make it a point to enjoy and honor it.
Let go. If you had a less than extraordinary holiday, don't let it eat at you. Learn to let go of all the things you cannot control. Yesterday is in the past and there is nothing you can do to change it. All you have control over is your reaction and attitude.
Take a moment to breathe. Give yourself a one minute meditation break every day. Sit in a quiet space, think about a place you love, and listen to yourself breathe. It's hard not to let your mind wander - but if you focus on your breath - the sound, the feeling of it - your mind will settle down. For me it's a sandy beach and the sound of the waves and the smell of the salt air. When I focus on that, the world falls away. We function better when our mind is clear and rested.
Eat and drink well. It's true that we are what we eat (and drink). If you put junk in your body, it won't function as well. It's important to eat good wholesome food, cut down on sugar and alcohol and stay hydrated. Eating breakfast, cutting out processed food, and drinking lots of water will make you feel better. Focus doing this every day even on a holiday.
Stay in motion. We were built to move and the best thing you can do for your mind and body is to exercise. Moving changes the way you feel. It benefits your heart, metabolism, strength, flexibility and your mind. Keep your body active and you will reward your mind.
Be curious. Learning something new keeps your brain and spirit active. It is never too late to learn a skill outside of what you normally do for living. As florists we are visually creative. Why not sink your teeth into something else creative - a painting class, photography, a cooking class. The possibilities are endless.
"The preservation of health is easier than the cure of disease."
BJ Palmer