Whether you are shopping, driving, watching television or sitting in a café, the air is filled with holiday music. Below are some different ways these tunes can serve as reminders for taking care of your self this holiday season.
“ Have your self a merry “little” Christmas.” Set limits and realistic goals about what you can do and when. Focus on the things you like doing and avoid the ones that add to the stress. Think “less is more.”
“I’ll be home for Christmas.” Make time for yourself this holiday season. If it’s freezing cold out, and a warm blanket, tucked up on the couch feels like what you need to do the night of the big party, give your self permission to stay home.
“The geese are getting fat.” Oh the season for too much of everything-too much food, drink and spending. Watch what you do now and avoid buyer’s and dieter’s remorse in January. Also keep in mind that having foods you don’t normally eat can make you feel sick.
“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” Grandma not only drank too much eggnog, but she forgot her medication. Good reminders to limit alcohol and know if it can be used with the medications you are taking. Continue to take medications as prescribed, which can be difficult to do with the various holiday activities. If you decide that it might be time for a “medication holiday,” talk to your medical provider first.
“Do You Hear What I hear?” Chances are you wont, or they wont, if it’s in the middle of a family gathering or party and Aunt Sally, or your pal Joe, once again says something totally that grates on your nerves. Remember that you can’t change someone, or what they say or do. You can only change how you respond to them. Sometimes it’s best to smile and make an excuse, such as wanting to “see if they still have some of he shrimp left, ” and walk away.
“Silent Night, Holy Night”: If there is ever a time to make sure you are sleeping at night and in the proper amounts, it’s during this season of excess and stress. The body needs sleep so it can repair and replenish.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It can be, but it also can be a time that exacerbates fatigue, sadness and symptoms. For some, the long nights are very difficult to deal with. The good news is that Dec. 21 marks the change to shorter nights and longer days. Since depression plagues about a third of the people with a chronic condition, if you find yourself feeling very dark, gloomy and sad, reach out for help.
“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.” If you live in that small percentage of the world that has a white Christmas, watch those beautiful flakes fall gently to the ground. Be mindful of the world around you.
“Oh the weather outside is frightful.” Some things in life you have no control over. Practice acceptance and strive for joy.
“Walking in a winter wonderland” Exercise. A 30-minute walk around your neighborhood is all you need. If that’s too much, breaking it up into intervals of 5 or 10 minutes throughout the day gives you the same benefit. A new study published in the Journal of Physiology found that if you exercise in the morning before eating, it seems to lessen the impact of holiday over indulgence.
“All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” Be realistic in your expectations of yourself, family and friends. It’s not about the gifts, it’s about enjoying one and another’s company.
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