H.A.L.T. for the Holidays

Ah yes the classic H.A.L.T., a very good tool to keep in mind over the holidays. Actually a very good tool to remember at all times of the year. However during the holidays when stress levels tend to be more elevated, always good to check on these levels before any major decisions or actions are considered.

H. HUNGRY; We all know this one, however sometimes we miss the body signals, Can you count the amount of times when you pass a restaurant or bakery and catch a smell of something good. Then all of a sudden realize how hungry you are. Or another one is a friend, or family member says here have something to eat, or you’re at a restaurant and order a little something, to be polite or just out of habit. Then all of a sudden everything that was on your plate is gone and you realize just how hungry you were.
Your body is a very sophisticated and complex machine, and for it to run efficiently and properly it needs energy. Just as an automobile needs the energy it gets from an engine in the form of fuel and proper spark plugs as well as battery cells to run efficiently and properly. Or a computer needs energy from electricity or battery and from the R.A.M. memory if it cannot get that flow of energy it cannot run properly. Your body is the same way. However an automobile usually has gauges you can check and a warning system on most automobiles now. We have already established that we occasionally miss the body’s warning signs. However just like an automobile and the computer if our energy levels are low. Usually shows up as low blood sugar levels. We cannot function efficiently; when we are hungry we are prone to irritability, poor decision making skills, and the list increases. Generally put we are not up to our abilities, physically, mentally or even spiritually.

ANGRY; I don’t think I really have to elaborate on this too much. We can all recall when angry some of the stupid, irrational things that we have said or done, can we not. Let’s just say that when you are in a state of anger, you basically cross into a state of Fight or Flight. Your breathing intensifies; your heartbeat elevates sending blood primarily to your muscles for fight or flight, thus shutting down the more cognitive centers of the brain. Rational thought is questionable; basically the mental capabilities are limited, as well as spiritual. So always better to take deep breaths and a break, possibly a walk as well as a conversation with a trusted source. Before making any decisions whatsoever.

Lonely: Well here we go again. This one is tied in the basic human needs. We are social animals by nature. We crave belonging and acceptance. This can also be triggered by that old bugaboo—SEX or shall we say the want there of. Sex as a rule is also a basic natural instinct. However it’s not so much the need or want of belonging, acceptance, friendship, companionship or sex that is the big issue here. The big issue is our learned behaviours of where to find it. We go places where we have found it before. However in most cases these places are not healthy and safe places for us anymore. We have new places to meet healthier chooses in our companions. However they are uncomfortable to us, for we are not sure how to proceed here. Coupled with the fact that in all probability, it is not happening as fast as we would like. Because more than likely we are looking for a quick fix. Or more precisely an unhealthy “feel better” answer. Talk to your sponsor. Counsellor, recovery coach and your support system. Call a trusted friend.

Tired- This one is just like HUNGRY; nothing physically, mentally or spiritually functions properly when the energy levels are depleted. Take a nap. Get some sleep. Go to bed get a good night’s sleep. As for any decision and/or actions, Sleep on it.
Remember God does not create garbage