Don't let stress ruin your holiday season

The holiday season is here and the stress levels are running high, but there is no need.  Take steps now to ensure you feel calm and relaxed during December.

First, make lists.  It will seem more manageable if you write down your Christmas shopping list, food list, card lists and activities list.

Second, action off to others things they can help with making things happen and share the responsibility.  There is no reason everyone can’t do something to help.

Third, schedule in some down time.  It is great to be invited to parties and functions, but you don’t need to say yes to everything.  Pace yourself.

Fourth, don’t drink in access or over eat as it will only make you feel bad.  It drains our bodies of energy in both cases.

Lastly, when it comes to family tensions, take deep breaths and make light of it.  If you know one relative is ALWAYS going to cause problems, make a game of it and bet to see how long it will take before it starts.  Then take more deep breaths and ask yourself, “how can I be cleaver and make this situation better”, or “how can I look at this without getting upset and ruining my holiday”.

Then smile and be thankful for everything you have in your life.  Watch the news and you will feel better instantly.  Happy Holidays!

Walking and talking

The other day I went for a power walk with a friend. I am making a conscious effort to MOVE from the "lets have a coffee and catch up" to "lets go for a walk and talk".

I have also found that being outdoors in the fresh air also tends to inspire more ideas. It really does seem to lend a hand in open thinking of alternative ideas. When I am sitting in the office surrounded by "office" stuff it tends to limit my focus on topics I want to cover.

My friend suggested I just start recording while I go for my walks ideas that spring up from our talks and then use them later for Blogs, twitter, etc... I now pass that wise wisdom on to you my friends.

And it's built in exercise without even thinking about it! So call a friend and set up some "walk and talk" dates as winter approaches to keep you motivated and creative!

Poppy display at the Tower of London

My daughter took this photo when she went to see the display of poppy's at The Tower of London.  When I saw it I was really moved at the beauty of the display, and at the same time, so saddened that each one represented a lost life during the war.  Amazing how you can have two different emotions at the very same time.  RIP

Learning new things and taking on challenges

As they say "knowledge is power", but it is also fun to learn new skills. It doesn't have to be a new language or how to create a web page, it could be dancing or knitting. The reason why it is so important to want to learn something new is it keeps our minds active and helps avoid things like dementia along with:

• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Do not drink too much alcohol. 
• Stop smoking (if you smoke). 
• Make sure you keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

So many clients were put off taking a class due to time restraints at work and family commitments but you can take just a weekend course, or get a home tutor, or free on line you tube demonstrations, or do it with your family, like taking a health cooking class or yoga.

Learning as an adult is not the same as when you were under the pressures of exams and multi learning. It's a lot more fun and interesting because you are choosing the class, not forced to do it. Give it a try and ave fun! Who knows, you may even get inspired to teach others what you have learned.

Losing a loved one and helping cope with life

My father passed away on the 22nd of February 2014.  He is, needless to say, terribly missed.  As anyone who has lost someone close to them, you can't put into words how much you miss their presence in your life.

I alway try to look at the positive side of everything that happens in life - even tragedy.  When I think of my dad I consider that I was so lucky to have had him for so many years in my life - I am in my 48th year.  My dad had heart trouble though out his life with heart attacks and cardiac arrests, so I could have lost him when I was 12 years of age.

My father was also a very religious man.  When he realised his heart was growing weaker, he asked that his pace maker was turned off so he wouldn't have to worry about being "shocked" when his heart started to fail.  He also wished to be at home.  So, in short, he got his two dying wishes.  To die at home and peacefully - so peacefully - in his sleep.  I was so happy for him.  He couldn't have asked for a better way to go, nor could I for him...

At his burial, the owner of the funeral home recited a poem that I found comforting and would like to share with you all.

God bless.