This year I have more balls in the air than any other Christmas that I remember. I have a thriving new practice, friends and family with health issues, a new furry family member, another new professional adventure and we are hosting the family dinner. As a child I remember not feeling well every Christmas. I hate to say that this tradition has carried on into adulthood and it is one I would like to let go of.

Here are a few tips that I have learned the hard way.

You Need To Take Charge

You are the boss of you. That is essentially the cold hard truth. No one makes you drink that extra glass of wine or reach for the 4th sugar cookie. Sure we can rationalize by saying to ourselves that we don’t want to be rude because someone made it or offered it to us. We can say we’ll go to the gym tomorrow or catch up on sleep on the weekend. Sure, whatever you want to believe, these are lies we tell ourselves. I know because I am an expert on this.

Set Your Own Boundaries

Your boundaries are your own and aren’t someone else’s. Decide what you want to do over the holidays. Are there things on your list that you are excited about? Are there things you would rather not do? Is there a compromise?

Last year I horrified my family by setting a boundary that felt good for me. I entered the season feeling rundown and my house was in chaos. I had so many things on my “to do” list there was no way I could do them all. I chose to do the things that brought me joy. I went to a floral workshop with a friend and made a beautiful table arrangement.

I left my tree buying to the last minute and at that point it just felt like too much. I decided there would be no giant tree in the living room. I don’t think anyone thought I was serious, actually I didn’t even think so myself. I followed through with my threat and instead I brought out my shiny little fibre optic table top tree and a few reindeer and sparkly things and called it a day. I had time to make dinner and I even got some much needed rest. The holiday happened, the world didn’t come to an end and we still had fun.

Make A Plan to Stay Healthy

Plan and plan again. You have time now to put a plan in place for your holiday health. Start going to bed half an hour earlier. An extra half hour of quality sleep earlier in the evening when you are more likely to have deep sleep will help you stay on top of your game.

Reduce sugar in your diet now. Sugar is not your friend even though it is so seductive and comes in such enticing packages with bright colours, glitter and shapes. I have learned it robs me of all common sense and leaves me feeling terrible and wanting more. It is this time of the year we are most vulnerable to its temptation.

If you aren’t sure what you need, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional. Talk to your naturopath, counsellor, chiropractor or family doctor. They can all help you to get through the busy holiday season with a plan.

Nourishing or Depleting?

Take a look at your plan and tweak it a little. Think about things in terms of “will they nourish me or deplete me?” Believe it or not some activities can do both. Cooking for family and friends is both nourishing and depleting. A pyjama day of reading and watching movies can be good for the soul. Standing in line on Boxing Day may save a few dollars but it can be pretty depleting. Choose wisely and find a balance.

Be Kind to Yourself and Others

I am a huge proponent of kindness. It is underrated and needs to be practiced more. During this holiday season sometimes people will be cranky and less than nice. Let’s cut these people some slack and remember we are all in this life together. So when someone cuts in line at the grocery store or your colleague is a little short with you, be kind. Kindness is free and it makes things seem just a little bit better.

Kimberley is the owner of Kimberley Gunning Counselling in Niagara

For appointments contact 905-353-5343 or email: kimberleygunning@yahoo.com