~ Opinion ~

It's mid December already, Christmas is coming fast and you're running around multitasking, head spinning and almost out of puff?! 

Whether you have a family with kids, are a couple or are on your own, work demands and family pressures seem to reach warp speed at this time of year making finding a moment to breathe seemingly impossible. 

Often, you're giving all of yourself to your work and loved ones, when in fact right now you could do with gifting yourself some self care just to survive this Silly Season madness. 

No time for self care? 

Yeah nah.

This is exactly the time for self care so you don’t collapse in a heap on Christmas Eve - so exhausted that you struggle to even enjoy the big day! 

If you don’t look after yourself now, your care for those you love will suffer in the end as well.

Christmas wasn’t meant to cause self destruction and you can make different choices.

Here's my three top tips to help you find time and breathing space 😊 in the lead up to the big day.

Prioritise and delegate

Learn to say No! 

You’re human, you have limits and you’re allowed to set boundaries. Yes even you! 

What are your top 2 or 3 priorities and what can you share (whether to work/business colleagues or family)… it's always ok to ask for help!

Refuse to let stress take centre stage

Set aside any family differences – the Silly Season can bring out the worst in us and in our loved ones.

Everyone is feeling it, even your kids. 

To avoid taking it out on the ones you love, talk it through, take a step back and try to park the small stuff before it grows into big stuff.

Is it really worth spoiling your Christmas over? 

Pace yourself

Decide on how many pre-Christmas drinks and parties you attend…it might numb the pain but a hangover ain't gonna help!

Sounds boring but staying mostly healthy with your eating and exercise will help, you’ll feel better and sleep better. Eat, drink and be merry later!

Finally – be kind to yourself and others

We’re all flat out, but still able to be kind and patient.

Many around you are struggling for many reasons and often find it just too hard to smile through it.

It can be a heart-breaking time for people and we don't always know other people's circumstances.

So, take a breath and be kind to each other, it might be all they (and you) need - a smile or a hug or just sharing what's going on. 😊

For now, make peace with your to-do list and your loved ones and when you get to the main event, you have yourself a fabulous Christmas and New Year.

Remember, you deserve it...and your loved ones deserve a happy chilled you!

Merry Merry…Happy Happy!

Margi Bryant is a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) with WellSouth Oamaru. She is available 4 days a week, 8.30 - 4.30pm.

Monday – Kurow Medical 

Tuesday - South Hill Medical

Wed/Thurs - Te Kaika Oamaru