Commit to be Fit: Design your holiday season

It's that time of year when it's easy to get out of balance with more than usual to do and high expectations for the holidays. But you have the ability to design this special season to be how you would like it to be.

Take a moment to visualize your ideal holiday season. How can you make your 'dream holiday” season come true?

Tips on how to design a meaningful and intentional holiday season:

1. Stay healthy by eating healthy. Sure there are a lot of goodies around the office and home, but how do you feel when you eat too many sweets? Be intentional with how you fuel your body. Be prepared by bringing healthy and re-energizing snacks with you, like fruit, almonds, string cheese or healthy granola bars.

2. Some exercise is better than no exercise. Exercise rejuvenates your body, mind and spirit. Exercise in the morning is the surest way to get your sweat session in. www.7-min.com has a quick total body workout.

3. Try not to skimp on sleep. Commit to a bed time so you can be fully present during this magical time.

4. Make a list and check it twice. Planning ahead can help you avoid stressful last minute predicaments.

5. Practice clear communication with loved ones. Discuss dates and times of family gatherings. If you have a gift exchange, be sure to set a budget that is comfortable for everyone.

6. Shop early. Avoid the stress of last minute gift shopping.

7. Be intentional with your gifts. My dad always says, 'It's the thought that counts.” Stay tuned for next week's article about thoughtful gift giving.

8. Take some time for reflection. What past Holiday traditions have you enjoyed? If you have a special memory, what made that memory special? Use this information as you plan your gathering.

9. Make this season special for others. Talk kindly to sales personnel, let someone go in front of you in line, or splurge and buy coffee for the person in the drive through. Practice random acts of kindness.

10. Better to give than to receive. Allow your kids to feel the joy of giving. Shop together for a 'giving tree gift” for a family in need. Drop off diapers, formula or baby blankets at your local shelter.

11. Light a prayer candle. Dedicate a candle in your home as a 'prayer candle.” Together as a family, choose a different person each day for whom you are lighting the candle for.

12. Send good thoughts. After opening a Christmas letter, pause and send good thoughts or prayer to the family who sent it to you.

13. Practice patience. Busy roads and long lines offer opportunity to practice patience and gratitude. If you find yourself feeling agitated waiting in line, flex your patience muscles and say 'thank you,” for being able to be warm inside. Stuck in traffic? Be thankful for a car that works.

14. Christmas is a state of mind, not just a date. Keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long. The wise Mother Teresa once said, 'It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”

Meaningful holidays don't 'just happen.” They come as a result of knowing what you want and taking consistent small steps to make sure your celebrations are what you would like them to be. You can do it!