holiday happiness cocktail

The holidays can turn the sanest of people totally crazy. I feel that if I can have a minimum of two things on this list every day that I can survive this season of holly jolly intact.

Sleep and hydration are most important to me. I’ve already started staying up way later than usual, but still aiming for seven hours a night. Without sleep, I start reaching for carbs. And, I make sure to reach for water, water, water everywhere I turn! Without eight+ glasses a day, I feel that my skin and brain start shriveling up. I also seriously overindulge at mealtimes when I’m not properly hydrated. These are definitely the two things I know are within my reach.

Healthy snacks are the ideal in keeping blood sugar and mood calm and stable, but I fully admit that my nutrition needs some balance right now. I read in an article the other day not to “view the holidays as a free pass”, but I just naturally feel like that this time of year. I met friends out last weekend and had the most amazing burger smothered in gruyère, topped with a fried egg and served with fries. It was the best thing ever. And I enjoyed every second of it.

Being organized is truly the most outstanding feeling. I’ve had it a few times in my life. I’m more a fly by the seat of my pants and everything works out kind of girl, but I’ve been making a huge effort to be more organized lately. Setting out clothes for work the night before, wrapping presents in advance for parties I know I have coming up, sticking to a planned departure time, etc. I’m realizing more and more that, while the excitement of the last minute seems fun, being organized, composed, ready, and calm is a million times better.

Smiling immediately makes me feel better. Even when I’m going through a moment that seems horrific, a smile changes everything. It makes me happy. And, you know … When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.

Daily bubbly is a must. Or dark chocolate. Or a cupcake. Or whatever your thing is. I think the best advice I’ve heard is “choose your indulgence”. Have something, but don’t have it all. For me, total deprivation is never the answer, especially during the holidays. There is so much goodness to choose from, I’m trying my best to choose wisely.

Saying thank you and expressing gratitude for everyone and everything in my life has the same effect as a big smile for me. It makes me happy. I’m so lucky to have great friends and family and I try not to forget this over the holidays.

Love. All the hustle and bustle of the holidays can definitely make me grouchy. I try not to forget that the holidays are a happy time for sharing with friends and family, not a time for perfectionism, competition, or grudges. This time is for people, not things (although things can be so fun, of course). Relax and tell people you love them.

Have a fab day. ♥channing