FEELING ALL “FESTIVALLED OUT”? Here’s what do do!!

It’s been a virtual (and real) whirlwind of celebrations right? You’re exhausted and wallowing in guilt.. regretting all the mouthwatering delicacies you’ve indulged in the past week? Sleep deprived and in a state of “Did I really drink THAT much over Diwali.. feels like I lost the plot there for a while”? Don’t stress.. yes.. perhaps you DID behave out of character and perhaps you DID overindulge.. SO WHAT?!

Festivals roll around once in a while.. and we are supposed to and expected to let down our guard.. throw caution to the winds.. indulge and overindulge for a short duration without counting calories.. take pleasure in the little joys of spending quality time with the people who are precious and special to us.. and we are ALLOWED to “go crazy” for a few days!!

In the immortal words of the exceedingly wise Dr. Seuss “Don’t cry because it’s over.. smile because it happened”.. so save and share the pictures.. savour the memories.. and enjoy the few hours left of this wonderful week! Eat that chocolate biscuit.. finish that last piece of mithai.. do a happy “bottoms up” with the unfinished wine bottle.. and then..

Make your “to do” list.. both personal and professional.. shake off the feeling of lethargy.. “wake up” and get organized.. pack your office bag.. plan your meals.. get the festive clothes laundry ready.. put away the fancy crockery and cutlery.. the special linen.. delete the “seemingly” hundreds of forwarded Diwali images and messages from your phone gallery.. maybe even plan that “last for the festive season” drink and/or dinner.. and AFTER That..

Get ready.. to put your plans into action! Don’t set yourself up or the Monday morning “blues”.. instead.. keep your clothes footwear and accessories ready for tomorrow morning.. wear something you like and you know suits you so you’ll automatically be in a good mood.. and set your alarm 15 minutes earlier so you can have a leisurely cup of tea/coffee/breakfast so you don’t start the day with a sense of panic about being late..

Keep your goals for the week achievable and manageable.. 4 pieces of mithai don’t go away in a single day and neither does the third cocktail that you really shouldn’t drunk! Make sure you get at least 20-30 minutes of your favourite every day.. walking.. swimming.. climbing stairs.. whatever gives you a “high” and sense of achievement (and more importantly what you can sustain on a regular basis)!

And because it’s ME writing this blog.. please start thinking about your Christmas and New Year plans if you haven’t already.. it will bring you joy and motivate you to stay focused on your health and fitness goals! Book those tickets.. apply for the visas and work on getting vacation ready once again! You only live once (YOLO as the kids say) but if you live right.. once is more than enough!

If there are a few things you need to hold on to about the Diwali festive season.. they are.. the happy times you’ve spent with loved ones.. the jokes and laughter that made you smile.. the invaluable gifts of friends who are family and above all these.. strong faith in the overwhelming power of both.. light and LOVE..

Thank you as always for reading.. and PLEASE share your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!!