No Bad Vibes November: Tips to Stay Positive this Season
Recently a friend and I challenged each other to bring more wellness and joy into our daily routines. We are calling it “No Bad Vibes November.” I’m challenging you to do the same! You will be surprised how little joys during the day can boost mood, overall wellness and productivity. Here are some ways that I recommend practicing this concept if you want to give it a try.
Keeping Exercising Positive
First thing, we have to stop letting the weather be an excuse for not exercising. Look for opportunities instead of always seeing barriers. Explore your home for things that can be equipment: stairs for cardio, detergent bottles for hand weights or the kitchen table for push-ups. Take it up a notch with these ideas:
- Stretch each night as a family
- Join an online fitness community
- Invest in exercise bands
- Have a dance party
- Bundle up and head outside
- Try yoga for beginners
Working from home? Use half of your lunch break for a quick circuit workout. Take breaks if you get them. Try to get outside, create a standing workstation and move around any chance you get. Experts note just 10 minutes of exercise can improve heart health, blood sugar levels and mental focus.
Food Doesn’t Need Bad Vibes
No bad vibes relates to food too! No food shaming – after all, we are entering the holidays with delicious, comforting foods. Enjoy ALL foods – mindfully and in small portions. And please – don’t skip meals to “save up” your calories. This will set you up to overeat, feel poorly and likely zap your energy. Seasonal eating tips include:
- Have a snack before gatherings to limit overeating
- Explore seasonal produce like pears, beets and pomegranates
- Add a healthful spin to your favorite holiday dish
- Recreate leftovers into soups and salads
- Search new recipes to make as a family
Calming and Centering
Finally, calm your mind and bring yourself good vibes! Bump up your self-care during this extra busy season.
- Start journaling
- Take an extra-long shower
- Talk with friends (virtually or in person)
- Try a meditation app
- Allow yourself to get to bed a little early
- Pick up a new craft or hobby
Take the pressure off yourself a bit. After all, the sink of dishes will still be there tomorrow. Feel called to give to others? Write letters to a nursing home, find ways to volunteer or donate to a local food pantry.
When life gets busy and we find ourselves getting off the tracks, find support from a friend and try to focus on the positive. Look for opportunities, not barriers, and we can all try to have a positive season this year!
Ellen Thomsen, MS, RD, LMNT, CDE is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner. She is the diabetes education program coordinator at CHI Health and sees patients at the Millard Clinic. She works with patients to identify root causes to health conditions and make changes to improve overall health. Ellen’s passion is to help others develop lifestyle habits that allow them to feel their best.
