With so many demands this time of year, it is important to re-evaluate what you value and how you will keep these things at the top of your "to do" list. Think about your most important values. Some examples might be health, family, energy, work, weight loss, financial stability, or physical fitness. Then, take a few minutes to think about how you actually spend your time. On a piece of paper jot down the activities that keep you busy in the morning, mid-day, and evening. Next, compare how you spend your time to your list of values. Are you spending your time doing things that matter most to you? If not, you're probably feeling frustrated that you're not doing activities that you really care about. What could you do to replace some lower priority things with ones that are higher priority?

One time-management technique that can help you during the upcoming hectic holiday month is to make a list of the activities you want to accomplish each day. On a calendar or piece of paper, create three columns and title them, "Must Do," "Hope to Do," and "Do if I Have Time." Make sure that the things you value most are included in your "Must Do" list. Read over this list and determine whether it is realistic. After all, there's only so much you can accomplish in a day. A list of "to do's" that is too ambitious will only make you frustrated and discouraged.

People who are successful at calorie balance have something in common: they make physical activity and healthy eating a priority and something they value. Use this handout to find ways to include physical activity into each of your values.