Good morning athletes,

is it me or do these vacation-y fun, free-spirited days just keep coming and coming?

It’s only December 27th so we’ve got another whole week plus on this Happy Bus. Too good, just too good.

What wonderful tips and sentiments many of you shared. I know they’ve enhanced my season. Without further adieu,

1. Assign someone to take a few pictures to remember the moments! 

2. Be more interested than interesting. Ask a couple of questions to someone you don’t always interact with to foster that relationship. 

3. Take a walk before the event too! 

G.M.

Well, since you asked for it!

Holiday advice:

I’m making space for family members’ individual beliefs and emotions. We all process and feel things differently, and asking them to think and feel the same way I do is not helpful.

Besides lots of walking, notice if you need to stretch, lift, or rest, and then do it.

Take time to remember those who aren’t with us this year. Call, text, and keep in touch if you can. If they’ve passed on, remember them in conversation.

Margie Kapco

Holiday greetings from beautiful N. Idaho!

I’m going to share some of my late father’s (pioneering and visionary physician) sage advice (said with a warm smile at mealtime), “Stop while you’re enjoying yourself”! 

In other words, moderation. Don’t keep eating until you’re uncomfortably full : ).

He practiced gratitude, too, saying at mealtime, “We’re eating off the top shelf!”

To quote an RN/Health Coach friend, “Health is wealth; and it comes by choice, not chance”.

Salud,

Joy W

…this leads me to my holiday tip – keep your expectations realistic! This time together doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful and memorable. 

OJ

Good morning! I want to be one of the 5!!

My next top tip, because you have all my most fave tips already, is Go Easy On Yourself. We are going to eat too much…of sweets, meals, snacks, sweet (I already said that one, but I know me and it bears repeating). If we follow your top Five we will get back on track. We know what’s important, to keep moving forward, make healthy decisions, and keep a positive mantra in our head. Don’t beat yourself up. Be kind to Yourself.

Happy holidays!

Kristi Bruning

Turn your phone off for an hour at least 3 times a day. If someone complains that they can’t reach you, well…. lie! (Your phone was charging in a different room, you forgot to un-mute it, the clothes you have on don’t have a single, solitary pocket (likely true, if you’re a woman). Be creative in your excuses; have some fun!

CD

Hello! My husband Chris, my pug Jonah and I Walk with a Doc in Smithfield, Virginia. Our walk leader, Colleen, always has informative fitness and diet information for us. She keeps in touch in between our Walks, too, which is nice.

As a host for many family holiday gatherings, I have learned that eating the BIG meal in the early afternoon is the best way to enjoy the day. There’s also plenty of time to walk and hydrate after that! 

Happy holidays from Jonah, who loves to walk!!

Alison Crocker

Ok, we’re back live.

I cannot imagine what would I need to add to those fantastic tips. If you were kind enough to send us tips that were not included, it’s not because they weren’t great (they were), it’s just because I have nightmares about getting yelled at for sending lengthy newsletters. 

Finally, if you are looking for a college football team to morally support this weekend, Ohio State would very much appreciate it. Even though Rachael went to Michigan, and we haven’t discussed this, Bryan and I are confident she is also backing her hometown team in their attempt at redemption (v. Oregon) in the Rose Bowl.

What do you think, Jonah? Go Buckeyes?

david