As 2019 comes to a close, we have been reflecting on the year that was. Christmas often comes with a busy lead up which has the potential to take a toll on not only our physical health but our mental health also. It is important to remember that Christmas is not necessarily a time of joy and happiness for all. Please keep an eye on those around you and don’t forget that you don’t have to wait for a special day to ask someone “Are you ok?” Annie is one of our Operations Support Managers and is also a Senior Dietitian and Wellness Coach, as well as our resident endurance athlete. She has taken some time out of her busy schedule to share a few notes for us for the Christmas break:
Take time out for yourself and get enough sleep - the lead up to Christmas can be incredibly busy. Self care does not require hours. It can be five minutes to enjoy a small walk in the sun or have a quiet cuppa. Try to create some space for yourself each day and try to prioritise getting enough sleep. Sleep is directly related to our mental health, energy levels, weight management...the list goes on..
Remember it’s ok to say no - it’s not compulsory to catch up with everyone you’ve ever known before the end of the year and it’s ok not to go to every business Christmas drinks you get invited to. Prioritise what’s most important and the rest can wait until the new year.
Eat and drink in moderation...or close to - look, it wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t overindulge then think to ourselves ‘I’m never doing that again’... then do it all over again the following year. However, stay safe, look after yourself and others and don’t forget to make the most of the amazing fresh summer produce that we are lucky enough to have access to!
Keep moving - try to incorporate a bit of movement or exercise into the Christmas period. Not only will it will help generate your appetite for leftovers, but will also do wonders for the body and the mind. It will also help maintain a bit of momentum so that it is not so hard to get going again once the silly season dies down.
But remember, it’s not about what you do between Christmas and New Years, it’s what you do between New Years and Christmas that really counts! So have fun, look after yourselves and those around you and have a very happy, safe and Merry Christmas!
If you would like to find our more about what Annie does in terms of coaching,
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