This time of the year can often feel like a whirlwind. The weeks leading up to the new year seem to slip by quickly and before we know it we find ourselves sluggishly rolling into the new year. We are exhausted and need of a little vaca before the new year even starts. Who can relate right now? Let’s take a moment to pause and evaluate our end of the year decisions, so that when January 2019 hits were refreshed and ready for the year ahead!
Today I’m sharing my five tips on how to finish the year off strong!
1. Don’t throw your regular diet out the window.
Sure, it’s tempting to eat all the sweet treats and extra goodies at work and at every holiday party and family get together, but is it really worth completely throwing away the hard work you have put into getting healthy all year? We tell ourselves that it’s okay to eat whatever we want now and we will simply start over in January, but it would also be easier to not have to start over at all. Now I’m not saying don’t treat yourself or enjoy your grandma’s favorite pecan pie. I’m just saying don’t go hog wild! Eat a few of your favorite things, just maybe eat half a slice of pie and 1 cookie instead of the 4 you’d like to have. 😊 You’ll thank me come January when you don’t have to come up with a plan to lose the 10 lbs you gained in December.
2. Find time to rest in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Through the running from one thing to the next, the kids holiday parties and programs, the shopping and baking, don’t forget to take a little time for you. This time of year we can get run down so quickly. Stop and take time to recharge even if it’s only for 15 minutes here and there. We all have our own version of self care so choose what works best for you. Schedule it into your daily calendar if you have to! Let’s walk in to 2019 feeling ready to go!
3. It’s okay to say no.
You can’t do all the things and do all the things well. I know that you think you are superwomen or superman and believe me I know some of you are pretty darn close! The truth is that our focus can only be on so many things at one time. Where do you want your priorities to lie? Pick your top most important commitments and kindly say no to the rest. People will understand and you’ll be thankful you did.
4. Don’t walk into the new year with a negative bank account balance.
We all want to shower our loved ones this time of year. I think we often feel like the best gifts are the most extravagant and lavish ones. Before we know it we have spent way outside our budget and we are walking into January trying to pull ourselves out of the hole. Am I right?? I know I’ve been there more times than I can count! Get creative with your gift giving, choose gifting an experience or quality time with your loved ones over a physical gift, and remember some times it’s the very simplest of gifts that mean the most.
5. Make note of what you loved most about 2018 and what your most proud of.
It’s easy to lose sight of the blessings we have given throughout the year. Perspective is everything! Take a moment to reflect on your biggest blessings and walk into the new year with a grateful spirit. Whether your 2018 has been good or bad, I’m sure there have been some really great things in the midst of the difficult. Take those blessings into the new year ready to create more of those moments in 2019!
I hope your ending to 2018 is stress free and full of love! Thank you for this past year and being a part of my journey! You’ll never know how much it means to me that you choose to follow me and read or comment on anything that I write. YOU are a blessing and it does not go unnoticed!
Here’s to FINISHING the year STRONG together!! Much love!
FlavioApril 