Stick with your goals

It is so tempting to say "I give up" when starting a New Years resolution, and it is usually at week 3 of January that people stop their efforts.

The best thing you can do is get a calendar print out and write how many days you have been successful at it and tell yourself "well done" each time you do it.  You will begin to look forward to writing in the next number and enjoy that feeling of success.

It is also good to tell people what your goals are so you get support in your efforts.  Once you commit it out loud to others it is hard to give up.  Our pride keeps us going forward.

AND as always, write down your goals and the plan of action.  It is easier when we have specific and clear idea on how we will achieve our goals.

Happy New Year!

Christmas gift ideas from MG Hypnosis and The Putney Clinic

Weight loss workshop

Saturday 11 January 2014, 1pm – 4.30pm  

Want to lose weight permanently and effectively?  Here are 5 reasons why you should attend:

• Successful proven results in long term weight loss
• Learn how you can eat to sustain appetite and energy levels and lose the cravings
• Discover solutions to stop over eating and take effective control of emotional eating
• Receive a body composition analysis and learn what foods affect  your ability to maintain a stable weight
• Experience a 40 minute relaxation and confidence boosting  session using positive affirmations to achieve your goals, look better and feel better

 

Cost £95

You will be given handouts, a free CD on relaxation and confidence, and a personalized nutritional health assessment (10% discount when booked and paid before Christmas)

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Please call reception on 020 8789 3881 to book your place or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk.

Self-help for people with Season Affective Disorder

For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, autumn and winter can be a challenging time. However, by introducing some simple lifestyle changes, sufferers may notice a significant improvement in their symptoms.

• Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible. Even a brief lunchtime walk can be beneficial.
• Make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible.
• Sit near to windows when you are indoors.
• Take plenty of regular exercise, particularly outdoors and in daylight, if possible.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• If possible, avoid stressful situations and take steps to manage stress.
• Talk to your family and friends about SAD so that they understand why your mood changes during the winter. This will enable them to help and support you more effectively.

How to have a stress-free Christmas

Tips on staying chilled

It might be shopping, family, cooking, cleaning the house, kids on holiday or travel, something is bound to make you feel stressed. Remember, it is not the event that creates the stress – it is the thoughts about the event which result in feeling good or bad. So to prepare for the season the following tips will help.

Shopping:

• Make a list of the people you need to buy a present for Christmas
• Have a budget
• Get family members to help with ideas and shopping
• KIS – Keep it simple (i.e. SnappySnaps has a 3 for the price of 2 during November on personalized items. It looks good, it is a good price, and the recipient will love it. I got one for every member of my family and I know they will love it. You can put different pictures on different items, and the staff are so helpful)

Family:
Love them or hate them, they are family. You can not change them, so don't waste your energy trying. What you can do is choose not to get wound up this year. Repeat after me: "I will care a whole lot more about a whole lot less". When your mother says to you: "Dear, are you sure your want a second helping" or such like; stop, take a deep breath and think to yourself, "I am calm and chilled".

Cooking:

• If you don't enjoy it, get the family members who do involved. Ask friends and family coming to bring something; the dessert, an appetiser, a bottle of sparkle. They would bring something anyway, so ask for what you want. It will help them and you at the same time. Again KIS. It does not have to be a huge traditional meal. You can create your own traditional meal.
• Use M&S or John Lewis and order some simple starters. Not too expensive and it takes the pressure off of you.
• If you are cooking, ask the others to do the cleaning up. It is only fair.

Cleaning up:

• Ask in advance for help from the family. Set a date and time and ask everyone to have a power hour to clean their area and the family room or kitchen. Put on good motivating music and blitz the place.
• Same for after the event... Get your family to help clean up.

Kids on holiday:
You know it is coming and if you need cover arrange it now with other friends with children. Trade off or get them involved in a project or lesson. Plan now so you have it off your mind. Ask you children for ideas as well.

Travel:

• Plan again when to pack, what, and make a list. MAKE LISTS! It helps you to stay organized and you can see your progress at the same time.
• You can't control the weather, delayed planes or tired kids and spouses. You can once again choose to get stressed and frustrated or be laid back and chilled. So be prepared. Have activities to do, write out Christmas cards, do your life wheel for 2014, answer emails, tweet, read a good book, the list is endless. To get upset once again just wastes your energy and ruins your holiday.

Hope these ideas help all of you have a wonderful holiday season… ho, ho, ho!