Vital Habits: December 20, 2024
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Hi Reader, ​ Holidays are a great time to gather with loved ones, but let’s be honest: they can also be STRESSFUL. Whether it’s navigating family dynamics, dealing with food choices that don’t align to your lifestyle, or handling social pressures that come with large gatherings—these events can stir up more stress/anxiety than joy. I have great memories of holiday celebrations, but I also grew up in a large, chaotic Italian family. I’ve learned that the key to making the most of the holidays isn’t just about what happens during the festivities—it’s about how you prepare beforehand. With that in mind, I’ve put together a few of my go-to strategies to help you manage the chaos and truly enjoy the season. Here’s what works for me: ​ Set Realistic Expectations Whether you're hosting or joining other organized festivities, accept that not everything will go to plan. As the saying goes "perfection is the thief of happiness." Try to refrain from putting too much pressure on yourself or the environment, otherwise you could be setting yourself up to be let down. Set boundaries, be protective of your space and energy, and most importantly have fun. ​ Maintain Self-Care Practices Research shows that when we exercise, meditate, practice breathing, and walk in nature, we can lower our stress. When we are less stressed, we are less likely to react. This will help you keep your head in the event that things get uncomfortable or tense. ​ Set Boundaries with Food & Drink This always a tough one, I get it– trust me! Seek out food/drink that will align with your health goals. However, you can bring something you can enjoy or politely decline altogether. Bring kombucha or seltzer– people rarely even notice what you're drinking anyway. If you decide you want to have a cocktail or some desserts, great, just stick to your plan. ​ Manage Your Time If there are multiple festivities you are invited to, pick the ones you want to attend the most. Try not to overstretch your time as this will result in more stress. There are two things I am a huge advocate of: 1. Leaving a gathering on my time, not when it's over. 2. Politely declining events that do not align with your lifestyle. ​ Create an Exit Strategy Whether it’s as simple as “I have to get up early tomorrow” excuse or setting an actual end-time for yourself, having a plan for when you’ll leave can ease stress and anxiety about staying longer than you like. Honestly, my wife gets annoyed sometimes, but I'm protective of my time and energy. Let's face it, there is a sweet spot timing to gatherings– once things start to get a little "weird" I excuse myself. Worst case: come up with a code word like Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in Four Christmases. ​ Health Products for Stress Sometimes you need a little help to keep on track. If you want to give the gift of health to you or your loved ones, check out my affiliate links. (I do receive a small commission from some of these, but I only recommend products I value and think you will too). ​For Stress and Healing: Sensate, HigherDose, Morozko Forge, Clearlight Saunas, BiOptimizers, Mito Red Light, Ultimate Longevity Supplementation: My go-to is Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics or for fast-acting PharmaGaba is amazing. ​ To the continued pursuit of optimal health, wealth, and happiness, Rich ​ NEW EBOOK ALERT! If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, grab my new ebook, The Ultimate Blueprint for Conquering Stress and Anxiety! It’s packed with insights from my own journey to help you tackle these challenges. Plus, I’ve included a curated list of top-notch supplement companies to save you time and ensure you get the best products. (I will be continuously improving this product to bring you the most up to date natural solutions)
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