What’s top of your Wish List this Christmas…………is Self-Care up there?
Christmas time is nearly here again. It’s a very busy, hectic time of year and it’s very easy to get caught up in all the stress of buying presents, organising the food, socialising and navigating all the crowds.
We’re busy writing lists, Christmas cards and wrapping presents. It’s very easy to forget to look after ourselves and to pay attention to our own needs. Having time out is not an option. After all, isn’t Christmas a time of giving?
Children write lists to Santa and family ask us what presents we would like. We’re busy thinking of everyone else and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
I agree, that Christmas is about sharing, community and family. However it should not be at the expense of our own health. Self-care tends to be forgotten or completely ignored at a time when it is perhaps, most needed. We often arrive at Christmas Day feeling exhausted and wishing for it to all be over so that we can relax.
What if however, we arrived at Christmas feeling if not totally relaxed, more in control, happier and looking forward to the big day. How is this even possible??
Here are a few suggestions that may help you to arrive at Christmas excited and not totally burnt out.
- Write lists. Yes, I have mentioned lists before but lists do help us get organised. If we are organised, we are less likely to run around panicking without actually achieving very much.
- Put yourself at the top of every list that you write. This may help remind you to keep things in perspective and look after yourself.
- Try and have a few early nights. This isn’t always possible with lots of social engagements but you don’t have to accept every single one. Keep a few nights free just for you.
- Exercise, even if it’s a walk around the block. This helps clear your overactive mind and provides more oxygen and circulation to your cells to keep you energised.
- Eat healthy meals when possible. It’s easy to indulge in more alcohol, more food and food that’s not necessarily good for you, but try and make most of your meals simpler and fresher. If you are going to indulge at night, eat lots of salads and vegetables during the day.
- Water is always important for our health but particularly at this time of year. Eating the wrong foods, alcohol and more running around, dehydrate the body very quickly. Being hydrated helps you to feel more energised.
- Have some quiet time just for yourself, every day. Even if it’s only half an hour, take that time out of your busy day and meditate or sit out in nature. You will feel so much better for it.
- Share the chores and tasks on your list. Don’t feel that you have to control everything. Yes the tree may not be decorated the same and the table may be set differently but does it really matter. I have always been a bit of a control freak but have learned to let go over the years and it has brought me huge benefits. At the end of the day, you want to arrive at Christmas feeling excited, relaxed and ready to enjoy the day.
Take care and try not to stress too much. Know your limits and respect them and care enough about yourself to do what feels good for you.
I truly hope that each and every one of you has a peaceful, happy and relaxing Christmas and a wonderful New Year ahead.
Thank you so much for trusting in my care and treatments throughout the year and I look forward to working with you towards great health in 2015.
I have a wonderful new website thanks to a lovely lady, Kerry Richards from Florence Road. Please take a look. I would love your feedback. Also, I will be working all January but will have February off to honour and respect my own health.
With love,
Judy
(Photograph of Red bow and round ornament hanging from Christmas Tree- dreamstimefree-245698 jpeg)