We roar towards December 24 with accommodation to book, gifts to buy, flights to organise, work deadlines to meet, parties to plan for, parties to attend, houses to clean, cards to send…
Ugh.
I’m tired just thinking about it.
So I sought ideas from three health professionals as to how to take things down a couple of notches.
1. Do 15 minutes of meditation during December
Dr Joe Kosterich, Perth-based GP and health commentator:
“The health benefits of meditation are many and varied. The main one is a reduction in stress. Spending just 15 minutes each day in quiet meditation has a uniquely calming effect. Time seems to slow down. You feel more relaxed. Stress does not vanish but becomes more manageable.
“The other aspect is the ability to let ideas flow. When we are focused on the next task there is not time to ask the bigger question or reflect on our direction overall. Quiet contemplation allows this.
“Some associate meditation with sitting in a caftan in a cave, chanting aum. You can do this if that is your thing. You can also sit in your office and do guided mediations via the internet. With mobile devices you can do it anywhere.”
2. Cover your nutritional bases…especially at parties
Susie Burrell, Illawarra-based nutritionist and author.
“Many of us take an ‘all or nothing’ approach during Christmas and ditch all exercise, while making the most of the masses of food on offer at all the various celebrations and parties that drown December.
“So… never go to a party starving – if you do you will eat enough nibbles and pastry to fuel you for the entire month. Grab an apple, nut or protein bar on the way and observe how much more in control of your food you feel.”
3. Unplug from technology every now and then, or rethink the way you use it
Dr Joe Kosterich:
“The Internet can chew into time. Emails, social media and even Skype takes time that even a decade ago could be used in other ways. Mobile devices mean we can access all these things away from our office or desk. Indeed it is projected that by the end of next year more people will access the Internet from mobile devices than from PC’s.
“So we have gone in a circle. The same technology that can lead to stress can provide the balance. Technology is neither good nor bad. It is a neutral tool. It is up to us as to how we use it.”
4. Keep gift giving under wraps
Sharon McConnell-Feanny, a certified yoga instructor and co-owner of Shakti Mind Body Fitness:
“I know you want to give your children, and loved ones wonderful gifts, but please try not to overspend and overindulge. Trust me, none of us can afford to do this and it is time that we face that reality.
“Take a realistic look at your budget, what you have already spent, and what you have left to carry you through to New Year. The last thing you want to do is get a credit card bill in January that you can't pay.”
5. Give it up!
Sharon McConnell-Feanny:
“Clean out your closet and donate clothes to needy people, or pick up a few extra cans of food at the supermarket.
“When you give from a place of pure generosity, you tell the universe that you are already abundant and open to receiving all that is available to you. Teach your children and grandchildren that this is also the season of giving, not just receiving.”
How are you going to avoid stress over Christmas this year?
References available on request
We accept
