By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published Issue 4, Fall/Winter 2008, Healthy Living Connection, Healthy Living Club, Maine Medical Center

Dear Doc, 

I have been excited about the upcoming holiday season, but also nervous that I will fail to keep up healthy habits and feel guilty after. I want this year to be different.What can I do? 

—Paul, Cape Elizabeth, ME 

Dear Paul, 

December can be a challenging time of year — so full of celebrations that it can be difficult to focus on our own needs. Many things that we do to keep healthy, such as eating well, exercising, and breathing mindfully (see the Healthy Living Connection Newsletter, Summer 2008), are quickly forgotten.When we have a chance to focus on our own needs again after the holidays, we may find that our bodies have suffered. Sometimes we’ll feel guilty for eating poorly and neglecting to exercise. This year, find a few minutes to do some “holiday rebalancing.” Try this: 

• Bundle up and walk outside. 
• Pay attention to your breathing. 
• Count the number of steps it takes to fully inhale. 
• Next, count the number of steps it takes to exhale. 
• Make these numbers match — breathe in for three (or four or five) steps and out for the same number of steps. 
• Do this for at least five minutes. 
• Extend this period of time for a few minutes every day. 

After a few weeks of rebalancing walks, you’ll find yourself feeling calmer, more rested and ready to take on the New Year! 

Best, 

Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH

MaineHealth