Happy Saturday Morning Love,

Question: How are you feeling this holiday season? Swamped? Stressed? Over-sugared? Loved? Cherished? Excited? Take a moment and ask yourself sincerely how you are feeling.

The holidays can hit us with a variety of emotions related to food, end-of-year anxiety, and last but not least family tension. That’s why I wanted to send you a quick guide of 6 ways to help you stay balanced over the next few weeks.

Food

As a naturally inclined cookie monster myself, I know what it’s like to feel oh-so tempted by the sugary treats and creamy hot chocolates. However, I am also well-aware of what happens to my physical and emotional well-being when I overdo it on the sugar (think: hormonal imbalances, weak digestion, breakouts, headaches, increased stress, and emotional sluggishness). Here are three things you can do to make sure that you don’t get sucked into the blood sugar roller-coaster:

1. Start every day with a balanced breakfast that includes a quality protein, good fat, and fiber.

My three go-to’s are

a. smoothies that include hemp protein powder, coconut butter or avocado, and flax seeds are a wonderful way to go.

b. Alternatively, gluten-free porridge with nuts, seeds, coconut butter, cinnamon and berries makes for a cozy start.

c. Or, if you are craving something on the salty side, eggs on avocado or coconut buttered toast (preferably gluten-free) are another great way to kickstart your day and avoid blood sugar crashes, cravings and over-indulgence throughout the day.

For more food and life inspiration, follow me on instagram.

2. Enjoy your holidays drinks with food and opt for the lower-sugar kinds like red wine.

Alcohol will spike your blood sugar if you consume it on an empty stomach, which not only leads to more debilitating hangovers but also increases your cravings and anxiety/ stress levels.

3. Make yourself a beautiful plate to eat from.

As a visual person I love how food looks when it is prepared beautifully and it is a tremendous help when it comes to mindful and joyful eating. Even when you are at a holiday party, make yourself a beautiful plate of whatever you decide to enjoy (rather than eating the cookies straight from the massive never-ending tray), sit down and savor every bite. After all the holidays are meant to be enjoyed and cherished, not massively restricted and controlled!

Self-Care

Honestly, we can do everything “right” from food to work to friends and family, BUT if we don’t take good care of ourselves first and foremost, none of our external doings will make us feel truly balanced and well. The next 3 steps are meant to help you tune in and figure out ways to truly honor yourself

4. Know where your boundaries are.

If you are exhausted and tired, it’s perfectly fine to say “No” to a holiday invite. It’s far better for your own health and for other people’s enjoyment of you, if you go to events that you actually feel energized to go to. Nobody is benefitting from you showing up just for the purpose of not missing out. If you need a night in by yourself, follow that instinct of yours.

5. Never beat yourself up - it just creates toxicity within.

What happened, happened. Instead of wasting your energy on guilt, shame, and regret, see what you can do going forward that will actually honor yourself and your wellbeing. Turning against yourself won’t undo the overindulgence on the eggnog or the uncomfortable conversation with your grumpy aunt.

6. Don’t get sucked into other people’s problems.

Especially when emotions are heightened - which tends to happen during the holiday season- drama appears. Instead of getting sucked into other people’s problems, focus your energy on reflecting back to them what you are hearing and ask them what they want to do about it. That way the ultimate responsibility will stay with the person actually facing the problem rather than you absorbing their anxiety and stressed urgency. Does that sound harsh? You will actually not only help yourself but also them much more if you support them in finding their own solutions.

In the comments below, I’d love to hear from you: Which one of these resonates with you the most? Which one do you intuitively know you need to work on this holiday season?

With love,

Caroline

PS: Looking for an awesome and unique holiday gift for those you love (or yourself -> Hello Self-Care Supreme:))? Check out my two online, do-at-your-own-time workshops Soul Journaling, a 10-day journaling experience to explore yourself and elevate your sense of self, and Manifestation & Vision Boarding, the best way to invite the magic back into your life and create clarity about your desires in a creative and fun way!