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Holidays are a time for overindulgence — especially Thanksgiving. Food is the focus whether we’re stressing about preparing it for our guests or anticipating stuffing ourselves before collapsing into a cushy chair to recover.

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect and appreciate what we have no matter how dismal our circumstances seem. Someone always has a worse situation. Why wait until the new year to implement those healthy resolutions? Initiate the process now and you will be an improved person by Jan. 1.

Relax — If you’re traveling with little ones to Grandma’s or cooking for an army of friends and relatives, get organized, relax, then do it. Perfection makes everyone nervous but spontaneity is refreshing.

While on the subject of food, have you noticed the grocery check out lines getting longer? If patience isn’t a virtue you possess, shop early or late to avoid peak time aggravation. Above all, don’t take your hostilities out on staff or other customers. A genuine smile and words of appreciation will improve everyone’s day. It seems the people who complain the most have nowhere to be. Relax.

Reflect — Contemplate your life. Are you happy, sad, overweight, stressed out, hate your job, in a destructive relationship? What immediate changes are you willing to make? What necessary changes must you make? Realize you need time for yourself to energize. Maybe a walk, movie alone, massage, or an hour at the library. Make the arrangements, and then absorb this into your routine.

Resolve — You’ve prioritized the changes you want or need to make. Set a realistic timeline but don’t tackle everything at once. For instance, if weight loss is high on the list, begin now. Practice portion control. That doesn’t mean you need to eliminate your favorite foods unless your present diet consists only of junk food. Make a commitment.

Along with reducing the edibles, you need to exercise. Remember, you must burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. If you can’t work out an hour a day right now, do what you can. Park in a space far away from the store. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk 15 minutes before work, at lunch, and after work. Increase the time if you can. Every little bit counts. Be creative and consistent. If you start now, you’ll look and feel better by New Year’s Day.

We’re edging into season (seems like it just ended). Let’s all resolve to be nicer this year. More tolerant while driving and shopping, helpful to those who need it and cheerful for no reason at all. How about sending someone a written note through the mail (postal service, that is) telling him or her that … oh, you were thinking about him or her and you appreciate his or her friendship? Lastly, let’s all smile more … and say “hello” to someone who looks especially crabby.

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Kay Sager is a certified fitness and aquatic specialist living at Port of the Islands. She is a personal trainer using land and water fitness and teaches swimming. She also has written articles for Physician and Sports Medicine among other publications. Kay can be reached by e-mail: kswimfit@aol.com.