Chill out – without the snow!

We need to cancel Christmas! Stop the world going round - I want to get off!

Is this what you are thinking at the moment? Are you running just to stand still?

At this time of year we are all in danger of becoming over-loaded. More than ever, it is important to take extreme care over your health and welfare. By taking time out to look after yourself you are investing in a strategy to take you through this busy period.

Steph lacks confidence, and would never consider herself before others. She sees herself as being of no value, and puts her husband and children first. She does not give herself any time or space to relax, and to enjoy her own activities.

Together we worked on ways to raise her self-esteem, and to communicate her feelings to others. She “made an appointment” to have dinner with her husband. She joined a writing group. She now walks regularly with a friend.

By sorting out her priorities, Steph’s energy level and enthusiasm returned. She re-affirmed her own self-worth, and was able to offer greater support to her family when they were not coping.

We all know the importance of nurturing ourselves. Very few of us do it. It is particularly important when we are operating under huge levels of stress. Not only does it help our mental state, but also it is essential to maintain good health. If we live continually on a knife’s edge we are more vulnerable to serious disease.

So have a massage. Go for a bike ride. Have lunch with a friend. It need only take an hour. But it will set you up for the rest of the day, perhaps the rest of the week.

Danny needed a break. Running his own business made that seem impossible. We talked about him closing the business over the December-January holiday period. He was amazed when his clients accepted this. It actually made better business sense, as well as fulfilling his personal needs.

Sometimes it is OK to consider yourself first.

By putting some “self –preservation” strategies like the ones above in place, you will get through this busy time. When you get to Christmas, enjoy it! Close the door on your work, your studies, and your commitments. Relax with family and friends.

Make sure you take time out. If you cannot get away for a holiday, then go away for the day. Walk on the beach. Go to the zoo. Lighten up. Have some fun.

I promise that by looking after yourself you will feel refreshed and renewed, ready to tackle the New Year.

By Julianne Kuhlmann
Personal & Leadership Coach
Kool Results
"Putting You First"
Personal & Business Coaching, Leadership Development, Individual Training Programs,Work/life balance, Mentoring & Induction, Organisational performance

Email: info@koolresults.com.au Web: www.koolresults.com.au