sadness. Alcohol disrupts brain
balance, bringing on
uncharacteristic thoughts feelings
or actions which in turn can bring
about serious consequences when
dealing with friends and family.
I am not trying to say no
indulging or alcohol at Christmas,
only that it is important to know
your body and its limits. I love
having sweets and drinks this time
of year. I also know I need to limit
my excessive nights and stick to
my regular exercise and diet
routine on the other days which
keeps me balanced and happy.
Try to spot when you are
using food or alcohol to cope
rather than celebrate and ensure
you aren’t breaking your normal
routine too much over the
holidays. Balance is what will
keep you happy and healthy now
and forever.
F for Family & Friends – They
are your strength and your
weakness
Being around family can
sometimes bring on lots of
pressure and leave you feeling
inadequate, reverting you back to
the mixed emotions experienced in
your childhood. Toxic relatives,
guilt tripping in-laws, or that crazy
uncle that always get an invite can
significantly increase your stress
levels, especially if you are
hosting an event. You may spend
hours cleaning your house,
cooking, baking and making gifts
for it to be over in a second with a
quick ‘thanks’.
Firstly, it is important to
remember that during the holidays
you are surrounded by loved ones.
Feel free to ask for help from
people when you are
overwhelmed. If having a party is
financially too much but you feel
pressured to host one, have
everyone bring a dish to make it
fun and doable, placing less stress
on you to buy and cook
everything.
Secondly, lower your
expectations. This can be a
difficult practice to master but just
know that expectation leads to