How to gather, Blue Zones Project style

(hint hint: they’re all Power 9 inspired!)

With the holiday season upon us, we’re party planning with menus, invitations, décor, gift purchases galore! Before we jump into the craziness, we want to think differently this year and making more mindful choices about the way we gather. Here’s a few tips on keeping the Power 9^® top of mind to jump into the season with purpose while keeping yourself happy and healthy!

1. Move Naturally – It’s important to get moving! Instead of a normal gathering with friends this holiday season, think about setting aside some time to do something active. Beach volleyball, a volunteer day or a hike are fun options!

"We hike A LOT! Every adventure uncovers new treasures and I love every second of it." – Ann H.

2. Purpose – Let's experience this year with purpose. Planning your annual holiday party? Take a few minutes to think about the purpose behind your gathering. Is the purpose to gather old friends? Is it to introduce old friends to new ones? Is it a religious gathering? Make it a point to consider the events purpose and plan accordingly. Want to learn more about purpose behind your gathering? We highly recommend taking some tips from Priya Parker’s TED talk here.

“During the holidays, one can plan a purposeful annual get together by coordinating something fun that everyone can get involved with such as: karaoke, holiday quizzes with prizes involved, card games, gingerbread house making, trivia, caroling, etc. The purpose of this is so that everyone (no matter what age) can participate and interact with one another in a fun way. It also helps break the ice when there are new friends who join in with the regulars who come to the holiday celebrations.” – Crystal R.

3. Downshift – Change it up and instead of doing a gift exchange, take some time with a friend to downshift. A meal in the park, walk while kids are at soccer practice or maybe learn meditation or try a new yoga class. Make it a goal to stress less this upcoming season.

"Stress is a feeling that we often deal with or cope with knowing tomorrow it’ll go away, and in past professions I’ve just accepted it - stress.  So knowing the importance of downshifting I try to be more conscious in how I feel and making time to downshift and de-stress." – Joslyn S.

4. 80% Rule – Are you already stressed out with the amount of holiday parties in your calendar for the next couple months? Make a conscious effort to remind yourself about the 80% rule after every meal. Parties or no parties, 80% rule is the key to avoiding the kanak attack.

" I’m super into making plant-based buddha bowls! For a get-together it’s the easiest meal to prep for and have your guests put together their own bowls. Helpful hint: you can enforce the 80% rule by providing smaller-than-normal bowls or 10” plates for your guests." – Ashley L.

5. Plant Slant – Let’s be real, we’re going to be eating holiday cookies that your Aunty bakes once a year and all the gift basket goodies that are sitting around on your desk that people have sent to your office. Don’t sweat it. Be sure to plan your meals accordingly – the more you plan, the healthier you eat. Just keep reminding yourself that plants are great for you and necessary to keep your holiday energy going all season long!

"Our fuel, our strength. Plant power!" – Jana M.

6. Wine @ 5 – Not feeling the extra work to have a gathering at your house? Instead, plan a pau hana with wine at your favorite, local spot. Support a local business, gather with friends and de-stress with a glass of wine – sans the stress of cleaning and decorating your home.

"Pair wine with a sunset yoga class and you have the perfect blend of endorphins and antioxidants to put you in the holiday spirit." – Molliane G.

7. Right Tribe – Don’t let the season pass you by without spending some quality time with your buddies! You don’t need to have a formal get together, set up a coffee hour or a morning at the beach!

"It’s important to surround myself with supportive, fun, amazing people in Hawaii because my family lives so far away! This year a group of my girlfriends started walking and meal swapping every Monday night. We typically walk about 5 miles and make healthy meals to take for lunches for the week." – Kelsie C.

8. Loved Ones First – This one's a no-brainer. Spend time with your loved ones this holiday season. Enough said.

"Ohana First, including close friends." – Carissa H.

9. Belong – Where do you feel most comfortable? Is it in your faith-based community? With your hula sisters? Or is it with the fellowship of work out buddies you’ve created? No matter who they are, spend time in the community in which you feel you belong. It does wonders to boost your wellness.

“The Mind-Body-Spirit Movement at Central Union Church in Makiki works at bringing wellness activities that the healthy choice is the easy choice on for families when theyʻre spending time together on Sundays. The church has also launched several walking moais that have walked for over a year together and regularly sport their Blue Zones Project tees!” – Molly M.

Join the Well-Being Movement!

Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com