Happy Day before Christmas Eve! This time of year is not always festive, bright, and cheery for some people. Not everyone gets all warm and fuzzy. There are a lot of reasons why people get the Christmas and Post-Christmas Blues.
1- Too high of expectations. When you want everything to be perfect, or expect a pre-conditioned result of what Christmas should and will look like, it is very easy to be let down or be disappointed. So, how to avoid that? Just let the day be what it will. Enjoy it, savor it, don’t try to control it. You don’t have to have the perfect tree, dinner, decorations, gifts, etc to have a beautiful Christmas Day. So many people get tied up in worrying about what others will think mode. This will only wear you down. If people are only coming to see you on Christmas because they care about all of the nonsense stuff then they are most likely not worth your time. Also, try not to make in-stone traditions. When they don’t happen you will be sad and disappointed. Rather make a compromise. For example, I hate traditions, but my husband appreciates them. So, he gets to have the tradition of the same meal each year, give or take, and the rest of us try to do something different each year. Change is hard and most people don’t like it, but it is necessary for a healthy life.
2- Knowing your limits. Some people are very social and need to be with lots of people. Others are not and feel pressured and stressed to lots of things at the holidays, such as parties, and get-togethers. Know when to say yes and when to say no. Will it enhance your life, or drain you? Don’t overbook yourself for all the holiday stuff. This year this may not be an issue due to Covid, however, be sure to not be bullied into going into large gatherings if you are not comfortable and sure you will be safe. People are selfish and don’t necessarily consider others which is sad.
3- Follow your diet. OK, so I said before I hate the term diet. It is a lifestyle choice, but some people actually have prescribed diets and the holidays can be hard. Do your best to stay on your diet so you don’t get sick. Holidays should not mean overeating things that will make you feel horrible. It really isn’t worth it. When I worked in the hospital so many patients after Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas would have to be admitted to the hospital due to not staying on their diets. You can still enjoy the treats and delicious food, just in small moderate amounts. Take some home with you to enjoy on other days. To the hosts of these meals please consider being considerate to family members on special diets and try to make meal items that are appropriate for them. What a sign of love and respect.
4- Be active! I know everyone gets tired of hearing this, move more, exercise more, blah, blah, blah. But, it really is so important for reducing stress, burning off those calories you ate. Do it as a family activity. Instead of lying around watching football, go play some tag football, go for a walk or go sleigh riding if that pertains to where you live. There are so many fun things that can be done to get everyone moving. If you don’t have anyone to walk with, check out my Walking Buddy Plan. Check out my walking stats from yesterday. It is possible, even with CKD, to be active!
5- Be social. I know this one is hard this time of year, but you could use Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger, or other apps to connect with loved ones or friends. You just have to be a little creative. Get out and volunteer if you can and it is safe. We volunteer at a local dog rescue. There are a million ways to volunteer though. Think of a cause you would like to support, it could be anything you care about, and then research ways to volunteer. If you are just lonely and need someone to talk to, check out my Just Text or Call Health Plan. It is #5 on the list of available plans. You could also consider adopting a shelter animal or fostering. Pets are wonderful companions. If you are older be sure and try to adopt a pet that fits your needs. You may not want a puppy who needs a lot of care and attention. Cats are great pets. If you lost someone special during the holidays it makes it even harder. Making new social contacts can help.
6- Reduce stress. I offer a number of ways to help reduce stress. Distance Reiki, Guided Imagery, Aromatherapy, and Mindfulness. There are others too like Massage, Meditation, Yoga, etc. My Etsy shop is currently closed so my Guided Imagery and Reiki plans are no longer available to purchase there. If you are interested in any of these stress-reducing topics, you can use the contact form at the end of this post to message me to learn more.
7- Get enough sleep. I think this is a given. I know if I don’t sleep enough I am ornery. If you would like to learn to sleep better use the contact form at the end of the post for a free health assessment with a follow-up meet and greet.
8- Be kind. Random acts of kindness, giving back, donating gifts or money are all great ways to lift your spirits. It doesn’t have to be expensive either.
9- Set a goal. Make a goal to keep your mind off of clutter during holiday times, especially if you know it is a hard time for you. Take a class to learn something new, start a new hobby that maybe will earn you some extra money, start meal planning to help save money, start a budget. There are so many health and wellness goals to be made and met.
If you are interested in working with a Health Coach to avoid the Christmas Blues, use the contact form at the end of this post to message me for a free health assessment and a follow-up meet and greet. All new clients get one month of coaching for only 25 dollars.
Living Life With CKD 