Healthy Mind, Healthy You is a weekly column written by Mental Wellness Coach Cynthia M. Each week, she will share insight on how you can be live a healthier life. You can read previous articles from this column here.
December is finally here, usually this is when Christmas and other festive decorations go up and we
start to feel that cheer in the air. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have robbed us of this
good cheer. Aside from the many travel restrictions, if you do get to travel it’s so expensive – not to
mention the risk of getting infected. We are grieving from the loss of loved ones and the fact that at
the time of year were we would want to be with others, we will probably have to do the holidays
alone.
With all the changes these holidays are bringing, I will be sharing some survival tips for you to stay well
in this season. This week, we talk about you, first. This just means priority on people you need to take
care of this holiday is yourself first, then others. Why you first? Because when you are wounded and
broken you hurt others more than you help them.
Self-care on the holidays
You are the most important resource you have and your mind is the most central part of you. Taking
care of your mind will mean applying many of the things I have spoken about over these past months,
on repeat. We can break this down in the following ways:
- Good company
As you go out to different gatherings or setup virtual parties, choose your company wisely. Trust me
ladies, this is not the time to become friends with exes. Stay away from people that hurt you and tear
you down, spend more time with people that grow you. As we interact with others in these festive
times, we often let our guard down and allow just about everyone to come along. But if you don’t
want to feel used and worn out after the holiday, take care of who you spend time with. Some people
are just toxic for you.
- Priorities
Busy, busy, busy, that’s how this time of year is for most people. Whether you are employed or you
run a business, set your priorities clearly. Allow yourself time to rest while still getting the work you
need to get done – done. Try to not over commit in terms of what you will attend or contribute to any
social engagements. The holidays can be exhausting if you are doing everything, so you don’t
disappoint anyone.
- Discipline
Have fun but remember there is always tomorrow. We have all been waiting to unwind and just have
some fun but we have to weigh out the risks in some of the activities we may want to take part in.
Aside from the obvious health concerns in these times, many people tend to over indulge in the name
of “spoiling” themselves after a hard year. Take care of your financial obligations and put something
aside for after the holidays. Yes, you might splurge a little but have the discipline to know you are
living beyond the holidays. Take care of how you eat, drink and enjoy the festivities, it would be
terrible to fall sick or compromise your health for the sake of having fun.
Until next time remember, when you change your thinking, you can change your life.
Cynthia M is a Mental Wellness Coach trained in Psychology. She works with different individuals and
groups to help them establish a more balanced state of emotional well-being so they can experience a
better quality of life.
Connect with her on:
https://instagram.com/iam_cynthia_m/
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https://iamcynthiam.wordpress.com
Cynthia M is a Mental Wellness Coach trained in Psychology. She works with different
individuals and groups to help them establish a more balanced state of emotional wellbeing so
they can experience a better quality of life.