Honesty. I am struggling. Life is stressful. Work is stressful. I'm tired. I'm hungry. There aren't enough hours in the day. I don't want to exercise. I don't want to take the time to meal prep or even plan a healthy meal. I don't want to make dinner. I don't want to be social. My holiday to do list is getting longer. I haven't started my gift shopping. I just don't want to. It's not worth it. Can you relate to any of these statements? (Or all of them?) Sister, I say every single statement in my head multiple times a day lately. So, you are not alone if you have any (or all) of these feelings.

It's the holidays. And, I know you can hear the opening line of this song in your head… "It's the most wonderful time of the year". I won't add any more. You are welcome for that earworm. That song is also playing on repeat in my head. I'm supposed to be grateful. I'm supposed to be excited about the holidays. I'm supposed to "want" to do all the things. But, you know what? I don't.

I am officially the Grinch…(The beginning of the movie version) "Max! Fetch me my sedative." My daily life does not make me want to celebrate the holidays. And, my reaction to this stress is not good. Okay, it's awful! Can you relate? I make VERY bad food choices. I drink adult beverages (okay, wine) A LOT. I only exercise when I feel like it…and that is hardly at all. I'm letting my feelings about what is going on in my life control how I handle my life.Have you been in my shoes? Does any of this sound familiar? I keep telling myself that every moment is another opportunity to make the right choice and correct this downward spiral. I started to work on my goals for 2019…something that I always enjoy. But, I keep reverting back to this negative funk.

If you are still with me, I am sure you think this post is way to negative for me. And I would agree. I don't like putting this type of negative feelings out in the universe. But, I have a point for it.

My point is that we all go through tough times. What is tough for me may seem like a day at the park for you. (Side note - Don’t judge or compare someone's tough times) We ALL experience things that distract us for our goals. And, the holiday season can make tough moments seem almost too much.

So, what can we do when we are in the downward spiral? If your first thought was to meal plan or eat a healthy meal, you are wrong! Bahahaha (evil laugh) Yes, eating a healthy meal or planning a healthy meal can put you on the right path. But, it won't change your mood immediately. The one way to change your mood is to exercise. (Insert dramatic music) I know this reads like I'm being flippant. "Sarah, didn't you say earlier you didn't want to exercise?" Yes, I did. But, what I know is this. I never regret working out. I never regret taking 30 minutes for myself. I may not want to do it. I may make a million excuses on why I shouldn't do it. I make try to make myself extra busy so I won't have time to do it. But, I never regret it. Getting your heart rate up for 30 minutes is the only way I know to immediately change your mood. Now, will you experience the euphoric runners high? Will you finish the workout and exclaim that you feel better than you did 2 years ago? Get real, not gonna happen for most people. But, you will "feel" better. And that slight boost may help you get through the next moments of stress.

Here's my ask of you. The next time you are feeling stressed or in a funk, please get up and take a walk or go to a yoga class. Do something to get your heart rate up. (I'm also speaking to myself here) You can't change your mood unless you do something different than what you are doing right now.