December 2002

The holidays are upon us and for all the talk of “Christmas Peace” this can be a very un-peaceful time for many of us. This holiday consider some of the following suggestion in the name of healthy self-care and your basic mental health.

1.  Say “no thank you” to at least one invitation that takes you out your home and away from your own family.  DO NOT LET YOURSELF FEEL GUILTY even if it’s your best friends annual Christmas party! 

2.  If you are determined to feel guilty when you say no, then say “NO” anyway.  The guilt will pass.

3.  Promise yourself to sleep late and let things go for at least two mornings of your holiday break.

4.  Take time to watch at least one golden oldie Christmas movie or a children’s Christmas program.  It will remind you of why we celebrate this holiday.

5.  Allow things to be less than perfect.  Practice saying “this will do.”

6.  Pay attention to own personal energy supply.  If you feel yourself getting sick, STOP FOR A WHILE.

7.  Use as many days after Christmas as possible to DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and GOOF OFF!

8.  Make time to play and do the things you enjoy with the people you enjoy.

9.  Extend sincere happy holiday wishes to the most negative folks in your life but give yourself permission to stay away from them.  You can’t help them and they take your precious energy.  You don’t have enough to waste.

10.  Spend a little time enjoying great holiday music as well seeking out SILENCE.   You’d be amazed how renewing time spent in absolute silence can be.