Work Smarter and Celebrate Better!

Your Holiday Game Plan for Joy, Goals, and Fun!

The holidays are here - full of excitement, connection, and let's be honest, a touch of chaos.  It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and let your goals take a backseat.  But what if this year could be different?

What if you could enjoy the magic of the season and stay on track to finish the year strong?  With a little strategy, it's not just possible - it's a game changer.  Here's how to do it:

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables

Decide what matters most to you this holiday season.  Is it spending uninterrupted time with family, hitting a key milestone at work, or simply carving out moments for self-care?  Focus on these priorities and let the rest go.

Pro tip: Write down three things you won't sacrifice this season.  This clarity keeps you aligned with what truly matters.

2. Plan for Presence

The holidays are about connection.  Use time-blocking to dedicate hours for work and family.  When you're with loved ones be fully there.  When you're working, focus deeply.  

Pro tip: Set boundaries for your time - turn off notifications, schedule "holiday work hours", and communicate your plan to your team and family.

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Prioritize your tasks and focus on high-impact activities.  Delegate what you can and let go of perfectionism.  Sometimes "good enough" is exactly what you need to keep moving forward.

Pro tip: Review your goals weekly and adjust as needed to stay aligned without overcommitting.

4. Time for Gratitude 

Make time to reflect on and document all you are grateful for this year AND all you have accomplished.  Gratitude fuels momentum, and celebrating all you have achieved will keep you motivated.

Pro tip: Create a quick year-in-review journal entry. 

List your top three achievements and one thing you're excited to tackle in the new year.

5. Bring the Fun Back

Let go of unnecessary pressures and embrace the fun of the season.  Bake cookies, go to the holiday concert, or take in some lights - whatever brings you joy!

Pro tip: Plan one festive activity each week.  It gives you something to look forward to and reminds you why you're working hard in the first place.

This season is about so much more than checking off to-do lists or perfecting the holiday decor.  It's about joy, connection, and staying true to your values and goals.  I hope these tips help you work smarter, celebrate better and make this your most fulfilling holiday season yet.  

Maintaining Your Health While Enjoying Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, giving thanks, and enjoying delicious food with family and friends.  While Thanksgiving can bring a lot of joyful feelings, it can also bring feelings of worry and concern for your health.  You may currenty be hitting your health goals and fear that you may be completely derailed of your progress.  The key to a satisfying and healthy Thanksgiving is balance.  By focusing on moderation, you can indulge in your favorite dishes without derailing your wellness goals.  Here's how you can savor the season without feeling guilty or sluggish afterward.

Practice Mindful Eating:

Eating slowly and mindfully can actually help you avoid overeating.  It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive a signal from your stomach that you're full.  During that time, your body is releasing hormones and insulin.  Eating too fast can lead to overeating because you might keep consuming past the point of your body 's needs.  Practicing mindful eating not only enhances your overall eating experience, but it also gives your body time to signal when it's full, preventing overeating.

Fill Your Plate with Veggies First

Often, our Thanksgiving spreads are heavy on the casseroles, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.  Don't forget about the abundance of fresh vegetables that are available in the fall!  From green beans to brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and salads, you can still get a nutrient-packed meal that is lower in calories.  By filling your plate with veggies first, you are guaranteeing yourself those nutrient-dense foods, while also assisting your body in digesting your meal smoothly.

Portion Size is Everything

Moderation is all about portion control.  It can be tempting to fill your plate with large servings of everything, but smaller portions of each dish allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors without going overboard and feeling guilty.  A practical and sustainable diet is one that doesn't rob you of your cravings.  You can enjoy everything you desire, just be mindful of it.

Navigating Desserts

Desserts are often the highlight of Thanksgiving, but they can also be a major source of excess sugar and empty calories.  Eating a well rounded dinner filled with nutrient-dense dishes will ensure that you aren't filling up on sweets.  Consider smaller portions of desserts.  You may even try to lighten your favorite dishes with replacement ingredients.

Don't Forget to Hydrate!

It's easy to overlook hydration when you're surrounded by rich foods and festive drinks.  Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best and supporting your digestion.  Aim to drink water throughout the day and limit your sugary beverage intake.  

Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a time of guilt or regret when it comes to food.  By embracing moderation, staying mindful of your choices, and balancing indulgence with healthy habits, you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health.  So, dig in, savor the flavors, and celebrate all the reasons you have to be thankful - your body and mind will thank you too!

 What's New @ Modwellship

Indulge Guilt-Free with Gingerbread Cake

Nothing says holidays like the smell of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg baking together.  As we mentioned in this week's wellness tip, you don't have to avoid any foods this holiday season, just opt for smaller portions or healthier recipes!  

This guilt-free recipe features whole wheat flour and applesauce as a sweetener.  Pair it with a cinnmon whipped butter or dare we even say, opt for that second piece?

Gingerbread Cake

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1 egg

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

1/2 cup almond milk

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. ground ginger

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Method

Preheat your oven to 350F.  Prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.  In a bowl, mix together the molasses, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, almond milk, and coconut oil.  Combine until smooth.

Add in the whole wheat flour, baking power, baking soda, and all the spices.  Mix until combined.

Pour the batter into your greased pan.  Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.  

Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes before removing it from the pan.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.