Unexpected Vices

On my way to yoga today I was listening to Marketplace Weekend on NPR, and the guest speaker was talking about vices.  Listeners had called in or written to describe their weaknesses for Starbucks, shopping, or reality TV.  No surprises there, but then just as I was pulling into the parking lot, the guest said that she’d concluded that there are two very important vices that we often overlook, but that deserve attention because they are extremely costly – at the individual level and also for the economy as a whole.  The two are Procrastination and Not Asking for Help.  It was one of those public radio sit-in-the-car-and-listen moments for me as I considered her comments.  First the guest quoted some extremely huge dollar amount that is the value of the productivity we lose to Procrastination, and then she used an example of being lost but refusing to ask for directions to illustrate the cost of Not Asking for Help. 

I started thinking about Procrastination and Not Asking for Help in the realm of health and self-care, where I believe there can be both physical and psychological costs associated with these vices… and by the way, I don’t like the moralistic tone of the word “vice” in this context.  As a health coach I’d rather help clients see that these behaviors are less-than-optimal choices for them that cause problems both short- and long-term.  The way we care for ourselves today affects our energy, productivity, and mood today, and affects our ability to stave off disease and avoid chronic conditions tomorrow and beyond, as well.  (For more on this topic, check out the excellent new book, Eat Move Sleep, by Tom Rath).   

The holidays are approaching, and if you’re like me, you’re starting to think about menu planning, travel arrangements, and gift ideas.  And you may be feeling a little stressed, especially if you feel you’re getting a late start due to… Procrastination!  I am definitely behind in terms of setting up the annual ski trip that my college-aged sons & I enjoy over New Year’s.  I am also preparing for a move to a new home in mid-January, though the good news is that I realize that the boys can help me out a lot while they’re here on winter break, making decisions about what to keep and what to sell or give away – I will definitely NOT hesitate to Ask for Help! 

Another aspect of the holidays that causes many people stress is that they worry about eating or drinking too much… They may want to lose weight before the holidays so as to look and feel their best, and they may anticipate either resignedly or unhappily that they are likely to gain weight over the festive period, and then feel crappy as the new year rolls around.  And emotionally, the holidays are often a difficult time of year for people too, because of family issues, loneliness or other social anxieties.  “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” as the Christmas song goes, but sometimes not so much!! 

Given all of this, I’d like to encourage everyone to spend some time considering their important priorities for the holiday season.  Spend time planning for and enjoying those, and “procrastinate” on the others that can wait til later.  Ask for help where you can – it’s my experience that people generally love to be called upon to help others.  And take even better care of yourself than usual, which might include eating more mindfully, making time for yoga, another favorite exercise, or meditation.  You may do some extra wellness-oriented reading, or even consider Asking for Help from a Health Coach such as myself!  There’s no better time to invest in yourself in preparation for the holidays and to set you up for your healthiest and happiest new year ever.  Go to my website at www.FirstDayWellness.com for more information if you so desire, and maybe we can start a conversation about YOU.