December is upon us and already the race to the holidays is underway. How can you avoid running out of steam once you get there?

There is no point in running around...

Although some of us are off during the holidays, many people feel exhausted when they go back to work in January. The race to buy gifts, baking and cooking, organizing and managing endless holiday gatherings, going to bed late… When all of this is combined, it's the perfect recipe to start off the year with a happy heart, but a tired body. And, if by a stroke of bad luck, you catch a nasty virus when exchanging warm wishes, then it’s a disaster!

You need to ask yourself how you can avoid burning the candle at both ends. It’s a fair question... Why not set your goal to be ready when Christmas arrives without depleting your energy reserves before the festivities begin? You will then be in peak form when the time comes to share warm wishes!

A Merry Christmas... Pressure and stress-free

Why is the holiday season so stressful for some people? Shouldn't it be a time for a break, rejuvenation, joy and harmony? An opportunity to look back on the year? But some people have very high expectations for the holiday season, far from the simplicity of the origins of this religious holiday, celebrating peace and love.

Stress and anxiety can lead to physical and psychological exhaustion. This happens when the demands exceed our ability to manage the situation. The pressure to perform can certainly come from external sources, but many people are their own worst enemy. Instead of putting demands on yourself and others, try to cut yourself some slack. This is the time to play it cool!

Some good advice.... to achieve your goal!

Here are a few tips to help you get to Christmas in peak form.

• Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your shopping and gift wrapping earlier; do this step-by-step. Prepare some dishes in advance. Make lists to better organize your tasks and not overlook anything.
• Aim for simplicity.Go with the tried and true: don’t use the holidays to try out new recipes or build an elaborate menu that will keep you stuck in the kitchen... Why not hire a caterer? For gifts, it’s quality that counts and not price or quantity. Isn’t the best gift just spending time together?
• Let go and lower your expectations.Start with the principle and there is no such thing as the perfect Christmas. So it is pointless to set unrealistic goals. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for the satisfaction of having done your best. Pay attention to your successes and give yourself praise.
• Don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask for help from family and friends. Working as a team is always more enjoyable than doing things on your own. Accept help when it is offered.
• Learn to say no. One thing is certain: you can’t do everything and be everywhere at once. You definitely need to make choices and prioritize. Always saying yes is exhausting! Allow yourself to choose... and to make yourself a priority!
• Reconnect with fun... and your inner child. We sometimes tend to take things too seriously, which adds to the stress and pressure. Think back to Christmas when you were a child: happiness, contentment, wonder, joy, and curiosity. By reconnecting with these past experiences, you can approach the holidays with reflection, openness and a sense of calmness. Make a point of having fun and taking advantage of each moment. 

Additionally, your chances of getting to Christmas in good health increase if you....

• Get sufficient sleep.It’s advisable to get as much restorative sleep as possible to recharge your batteries.
• Eat properly.A healthy diet is the best way to maintain your health and energy level.
• Stay active.Physical exercise also gives you energy, regardless of the time of year.
• Get a flu shot.If you haven’t done so already, you should seriously consider the flu shot to get through the holidays with the appropriate protection.

Pharmacists are always available to give you advice on the ways to care of yourself and your health, throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to speak to them!