With the holiday season AND end of year goals upon us, it’s easy to be pulled into saying yes to more activities and goals than reasonable, at least without experiencing negative consequences to your health and well-being. This is especially true if you are managing invisible health challenges.
And if you’re trying to hide the impact of your health challenges from those around you, it’s even more likely you’ll suffer a negative consequence. Perhaps you don’t want to be a burden, don’t want ‘pity’ or just want to join in ALL the fun like everyone else. Or as I’ve done so many times in the past, you tell yourself, I’m feeling good, I’ll be okay!
Denying or ignoring the impact of “overdoing it” can be costly to you, your business and your relationships. Very costly!
So what can you do? Instead of operating from a mindset of “I CAN do it all, until… you can’t.” invoke The Power of I Can’t® beforehand.
By pausing and acknowledging and accepting your limitations with where you are on your journey right now, you can make better decisions. Decisions that support you in showing up your best with those most important to you, while staying dedicated to your business
Here are 5 ways to empower yourself this holiday season:
1. Commit to not overdoing it.
Only you can define your limits. Let go of perceived or real expectations of others, and more importantly, unreasonable expectations you have on yourself.
2. Identify activities to avoid or limit to protect your well-being.
What is one activity that every time you engage in it you have consequences? Two of mine are cooking a ‘holiday meal’ or wrapping presents. If I choose to do these, I will have consequences with my neck, back and arms that make it hard to visit in an engaging manner or to perform my work. Those activities are on my NO-GO list. What are yours? Shopping all day? Working 12-hour days to clear your plate? Attending too many holiday events? List them out and put a BIG X through them.
3. Protect your time with loved ones.
Who in your personal circle is most important to you? You might have to say no to some events that involve individuals outside of that circle so you can truly be present with those you care about. Make the time for quality time, those times that lead to memories you want to hold on to.
4. Move forward with purpose. Select one goal to focus on.
Focus on ONE goal from now to the end of the year, with three supporting activities. You’ll see social posts encouraging you to max out the year, to hit a certain goal… Choose balance, health and well-being – so you can start the new year strong.
5. Celebrate!
It takes courage to admit and accept that you do have a limitation. But I can guarantee you this, by doing so you gain power over those activities that have been pulling you down. And that is empowering.
If this post resonated with you, in this prior blog post, 5 Self-Care Tips to Thrive this Holiday Season Alongside Health Challenges, I share five key areas to focus on in taking care of your well-being.
If you do happen to overdo it, in Making the Most of an Autoimmune Flare-up Over The Holidays, you’ll find 6 Ideas to Bring ‘Joy’ to Your Holidays Alongside a Flare-up.
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