Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, New Years— while the songs for this time of year sing about it being a wonderful time of peace and joy, bringing together food, family, and travel is not always fun and games. The pressure to host, navigate family dynamics, or simply find your place in the chaos can turn a joyful celebration into a stress-inducing whirlwind. This is why Finding Your Detox is the ultimate pre-holiday survival strategy.
Let’s dive into how you can prepare, practice, and prioritize your Detox to glide through the season with your sanity intact.
1. Find Your Detox
Before the holiday frenzy hits, take a moment to pinpoint what truly helps you unwind. Your Detox should be something that clears your mind and makes your heart lighter. Maybe it’s yoga, a brisk walk, journaling, or even zoning out with a good book.
Imagine this: a simple grid with eight calming activities around the edges—reading, running, gardening, meditating—and bold letters in the middle: FIND YOUR DETOX. This visual reminder can inspire you to start small and build a habit.
Take time now, before the festivities begin, to figure out what works for you. Whether it’s knitting a scarf or lacing up your running shoes, this is your season to prioritize internal peace.
2. Practice Your Detox
Once you’ve identified your go-to activity, make it a regular part of your routine. The key is to start now, so as you ease into the holidays, feels as natural as breathing.
Here’s a plan:
Week One: Ease in. Spend 15 minutes twice this week practicing your Detox, or a few different activities. Test the waters.
Week Two: Ramp up. Dedicate a little more time—30 minutes, three times this week. Start to notice the benefits.
Week Three: Own it. By now, your Detox should feel like a welcome escape, and you’ll begin to crave it amidst the chaos.
Try a mix of activities to see what sticks. Not a fan of traditional exercise? Try painting or baking. Love the outdoors? Schedule a bike ride. The beauty of this step is that it’s all about you.
3. Don’t Cheat Yourself
Holiday celebrations are notorious for throwing curveballs. The mashed potatoes aren’t mashed, your uncle brought up politics, the football game went into overtime and you are hangry. Before you know it, you’re this close to snapping.
Here’s where your Detox becomes non-negotiable.
Make it a part of your Thanksgiving schedule—no exceptions. You could:
Sign up for a winter fun run: Start your day with a fun 5K run (or walk) to get those endorphins flowing.
Take a yoga class: A little stretching and deep breathing can do wonders before tackling dinner prep.
Plan a short hike or park visit: Step outside for fresh air and solitude, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.
Family Football game: Motivate the entire family to head outside for fresh air and a football or soccer game. The benefits of group play will lower everyone’s stress levels.
Family Blooket game: Do as my niece and create a game on Blooket with questions about the family and friends attending the event. It serves as a great mid-party tension release, changes the dynamics and even helps you learn a little something about your friends and family.
By carving out this intentional time, you’ll center yourself before diving back into the bustle of family and friends. Don’t skip it. You deserve this.
Why It Matters
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, but without balance, they can easily tip into overwhelm. Finding Your Detox isn’t just a feel-good strategy; it’s essential self-care. By practicing your Detox regularly and making it a priority, you’ll feel calmer, happier, and more equipped to embrace the season.
So, what’s your Detox? Start exploring now. The holiday season might be about food, football, and family, but with your Detox in play, it’ll also be about you. And that’s something to be truly thankful for.