Hello there! If you’re reading for the first time or just stopping by for the fun, I’m doing a “Happy Holidays” wellness challenge to help you cultivate more health and happiness the rest of 2014. Catch up on the details on how to join and win the prizes. Or if it already sounds like a good idea, sign up below.

The “F” Word We All Need A Little More Of…FUN!

Fun can reduce stress, improve quality of life, and ultimately make you happier. Having fun is especially critical during those high stress times like the holidays. And the holidays are supposed to be, well, fun…right?

But how much fun are you really having, through the holidays and all year? Most people admit that they don’t have time for fun. If either of these two pictures look like you, maaayyyybe we should work on having more fun.

When “Fun” Is Up, Stress is Down

We get a lot of questions about why we put such a focus on fun in our nutrition counseling practice. We live in such a fast-paced, demanding world where stress is commonplace. All of us deal with stress, and a certain amount of stress is normal. But the problem arises when stress becomes overwhelming and constant. High levels of chronic stress are associated with negative health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, emotional overeating, headaches, and more.

The holiday season has become one of the most stressful times of the year for many people. Whether it’s the commercialism (and the debt aftermath) or it’s the schedule of all the demanding “shoulds.” I should really go to every person’s holiday party. AND I “should” make my famous carrot cake that takes me 6 hours. Uggghhhh. Hey, if you’re dreading it, it’s NOT fun for you.

You Can Do It Challenge:  Schedule at least one hour of “fun” each week to help keep the stress at bay.

So how can you lower your stress during the holidays? If you’re like me, if it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Throughout the 60-Day Challenge, I encourage you to be proactive about actually scheduling time for fun. Your calendar should have plenty of “white space” in it. If not, that’s something to work on. (More about that later in the challenge). Even if your day is packed, scheduling some time for fun – even if it’s 15 minutes – will make your day more enjoyable and often times will also help put things into better perspective.

Finding Your Fun

You really can’t mess this up. Do anything you enjoy. But if you’re out of practice and need some ideas, I’ve got you covered.

• Do something for yourself. If you take the time to take care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the holidays. So take a break, go for a walk, get a massage, buy something new (even under $10 feels like a treat), or take the time to make a lovely meal – and sit and enjoy it with awareness.
• Try something new. Opening yourself up to new ideas and activities can be a great way to have fun. Try a new cooking or fitness class, see a movie, or schedule a low-key game night. Check out these “fun holiday ideas” on Pinterest.
• Take a nap! The holidays can be exhausting, and it’s important to recharge your body and mind when you need it most. If you get the rest you need, you’ll be more patient, more productive, and happier.

Enter to Win

Leave a comment below on ways you plan to have more fun this holiday and you could win a prize pack from vitafusion (the #1 adult gummy vitamins) and L’il Critters (gummy vitamins for kids). vitafusion and L’il Critters believe healthy habits should be enjoyable so you will do them consistently. I agree!

I love the taste of these gummies. They are easy to take (especially compared to swallowing a pill) and my family doesn’t complain about taking their vitamins anymore! The vitafusion Plus Hair Skin and Nails (with biotin and leutin) has been great with the season change. My hair and skin is standing up to the dry air! And with L’il Critters Gummy Vites, I know that my daughter has all of her nutrient bases covered.

If you aren’t signed up for the challenge, please do so to be eligible to win. I will draw one winner at random and notify you by next week.

(Disclosure: vitafusion and L’il Critters donated the prize pack and will mail to the winner directly. I did not receive compensation to include them in the challenge.)

Check In

How are you doing so far? Leave a comment on the blog or on Facebook. If you’re on Twitter, follow me and the #HappyHolidaysChallenge for even more motivation.

If you’re not “officially” in the challenge yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up below.

Challenge Your Friends

People do better with support from friends. (It’s a scientific fact!) Ask your friends to join you by sharing on social media or just send them this e-mail with the link to subscribe to the challenge.

Facebook: Join me and Rebecca Scritchfield for a free 60-day wellness challenge.  Get healthier and happier this holiday season. http://wp.me/p2T0R-20c #HappyHolidaysChallenge

Twitter: I’m taking the #HappyHolidaysChallenge with @ScritchfieldRD. Join us http://wp.me/p2T0R-20c