Are you crazy Mona?!
I know what you are thinking these two activities do not make it in to your agenda between now and January 1, right?
Well perhaps it is just because you have never made it a habit to insert a little extra sleep and relaxation into your holiday plans.
I would like to give you a few tips on how just to do that so that by January 1 you are not needing a holiday or simply going back to work for a break.
The idea is to ENJOY the holidays not become so worn out that you get sick.
For the last month I have been talking with authorities and experts on how to manage stress over the holidays and how to enjoy more fun…..I have implemented many of the strategies I have learned and I am more calm this year than I have been in many years during the holiday season. But I must admit sleep is one thing that can be all over the map for me and most folks I think and HOW does one pop in a little extra relaxation without opting for one more drink to do the job.
Here are a few tips passed on to me by a resident authority on Sleep and Relaxation.
1. Improve your daytime habits ie: regular daytime exercise, increase water intake, not packing too much in to a day, prioritizing.
2. Throw open the sashes – Open the blinds in the morning to let the light stream in – even if the sun has not yet risen – helps to reset our body clock.
3. Avoid Caffeine, smoking, keep alcohol to a minimum or avoid all together
4. Keep the kids out of your bed …..nice to snuggle with but disturbs your full night sleep.
5. Regular bedtime routine….prepare for sleep instead of falling into bed exhausted.
6. Breathe – remember to do this throughout the day – check how many times you are holding your breath especially if you are rushing to that next store to buy that extra little treasure to put under the tree.
There is a fabulous and simple relaxing breathing technique that anyone can do anywhere…like when standing in that long line up waiting to pay….rather than putting it all in words here I will include the link to my last episode of Blogtalk Radio where you will hear from our Sleep and Relaxation Specialist as he guides you through this invaluable little technique to have with you when you need it most.
For those of you who think you can not possibly implement all of these tips and still have fun this holiday season. Then just pick one that works for you and create a new restful habit so you can truly enjoy your FUN and end up relaxed, not ill to start off a fabulous New Year.
Happy Holidays to You All
From my family to yours
Coach Mona
Professional Life and Wellness Coach
www.CoachedbyMona.com
Remember Good Health Doesn’t Cost it Pays
Posted by Ed MacDonald on December 18, 2009 at 1:20 am
Wow…that ‘resident’ authority on sleep and relaxation had some good points. What about hot yoga…I heard that this is a good ‘getaway’ as well??
How do I get in contact with your sleep expert???
Posted by Tom Sim on December 19, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Is it really necessary to give up alcohol? My family is a bit nuts… more than a bit, and I feel that one or two cases of red wine really helps us to get along. At least I think we get along… never can remember exactly.
And wow, your resident relaxation expert must be old and really know what they are talking about. Who really throws open sashes anymore? I guess someone who grew up with Charles Dickens might remember a sash or two being thrown open, nonetheless sound advice.
Happy Holidays!
Tom Sim
Cultural Attaché Pan-Asian Alliance, New York
Posted by coachmona on February 8, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I never did respond to your comment – but thought I would take the time to do it now.
Give up Alcohol – well that is an individual choice – I just write about the facts and personal experience…….
I think we all learned as teenagers – and we used to joke about “killing a few more brain cells this weekend” that as we get older and have more responsibilities or the memory isn’t quite as good as it used to be – one wonders perhaps the large quantities of alcohol over a lifetime is not really the best for “health”. Another rule of thumb – everything in moderation. To you Health!! Mona