The
holidays have always reminded me of an obstacle course. Dodging boxes of candy
at the reception desk, shuffling around plates of cookies in the break-room,
and sprinting past the cheese puff trays and dessert tables at parties. Let’s
face it; the holidays are abundant with Calorie laden goodies. I am not one to
advocate deprivation, rather to promote moderation. In order to have one treat
and not the whole tray, a plan must be put into place.
An
action plan is a detailed agreement between you and your client to achieve a
specific goal. A plan can also be used to effectively address obstacles that
might sabotage progress. Here are four steps to crafting an action plan to
navigate the holiday obstacle course:
- Identify the behavioral goal and
the obstacle.
- For example, your client might
say “I am making smart eating choices at home, however when I am at a
social event I tend to gravitate to the dessert table and camp for the
evening.”
- The goal is to maintain smart
eating choices at social events and the obstacle is the dessert table.
- Develop a strategy for dealing with
the obstacle. Using the above example, list ideas for staying away from
the dessert table, such as
- Eat a healthy snack before the
party to reduce hunger.
- Socialize in another room.
- Participate in a game or group
activity.
- Select a strategy to try.
- Go to the social function with
confidence knowing you have the plan in place.
- Relax and have fun.
- Assess the results.
- Identify the strengths and
weakness of the strategy. What worked and what didn’t. Can the strategy
be revised to be more effective?
- If the first strategy didn’t
work, try another.
Finding
the most effective strategy may take some brainstorming as well as trial and
error. Encourage your clients not to give up and utilize their resources, such
as friends, family, and professionals. Establishing a support system can be
very helpful. Make this years holiday obstacle course a team event.
Karen
Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology
BA
Social Science/Education



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