This time of year lights are all around us! It's one of my favorite aspects of the holiday season, and I think most of us will agree that something about lights spread joy. One thing that I started implementing in my own life a few years ago, is what I refer to as my December Glow Up!
It's so easy to begin feeling overwhelmed this time of year, to be run down, to start giving up on goals, and let things go - with the notion of "that's a January problem". Trust me, I have those thoughts too! However, what if we viewed this month in the opposite sense?!
I view my life in different categories - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. They are all unique and individual, but very much work together.
Physical:
January 1st is probably the most popular gym day in America! As a society we have the theme of enjoying all the holiday treats, alcohol, parties, and celebrating, basically from Halloween through New Years. I don't know about you, but if I did that I would feel like death - quite literally. During this month, I reevaluate my own eating habits (which can be an entire post alone) as well as my workout routines. I make it a priority to stick to my schedule this month, and I have found that this helps me feel infinitely better when Christmas Day rolls around, and on January 1st I don't feel like I'm in a hole that buries me.
Mental, spiritual, and emotional all tie together pretty significantly!
I've often talked about my daily journaling, and with this comes reflection. I am very tuned into my emotions, various triggers in my life, and I strive to be intentional with when to be extra gentle with myself. December is definitely one of those times! I know that I am more prone to some hard days, and intense emotions. This means that I need to prioritize sleep, self-care, and routine. That will look different for me and for any of you, but I challenge you to find what yours should be!
Money and "stuff" also fall under this umbrella! December is expensive. There is no way around it. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, there are inevitably extra bills, taxes, emergencies, end of year costs, etc. It's overwhelming, I know. We all know that the intelligent thing to do is make a budget and stick to it. Easier said than done, right? Instead of setting myself up for failure in that area, I try to be very strategic in keeping track of my December expenses and the gift cost that I dedicate to each person. This way, I can have an idea of how to prepare next year. I also make a point to figure out where to give. I work with a lot of under privileged children and families in my career, so that is a top passion of mine. There are endless ways to give, and can be tailored to whatever is important to you!
On a similar note, I frequently use this month to purge my own stuff. My mind feels cluttered if I am surrounded by things that do not make me happy. I keep a donation basket year round as well as a bag that I fill for consignment. This way it becomes habitual. Taking clothes to consignment is one of the greatest forms of girl math around! You feel like you made money (even though you can't comprehend the amount you originally spent)! It is so life giving to get rid of things, and it can give you room for any Christmas presents you may receive.
Just think, how amazing it would feel to be "glowing" this month, instead of just run down?! It's 100% possible, and may require some mind shift changes along with reevaluating your priorities! One thing I can promise - you won't regret it!
Comments