BACK SAVING HINTS

  • Do not sit on floor to either wrap presents or write cards.  Use a table or even better a high counter where you do no have to bend forward to wrap presents.
  • Gather all materials first and have them handy.
  • Take frequent breaks
    – If you have been sitting, get up and walk around
    – If you have been standing, lie down on the floor and stretch, or sit in a chair and round your spine toward the floor, inhale, roll up slowly.
    – Spread card addressing and writing over several nights depending on how many you send or if you write lots of personal notes. Set a time limit – 2 hours maximum. Set a timer and step.
  • Take a stretch break
  • Schedule regular adjustments and/or massages especially around holiday time. They will…
    a. improve vitality
    b. increase endurance, balance and coordination
    c. boost immune system and resistance to fatigue/illness
    d. restore and maintain function of vital organs
    e. enhance the quality of life
    f. optimize tone, energy

SAVE YOUR SANITY – MIND GAMES

  • Take 5 minutes a day to write down ALL you are thankful and grateful for.  Write some on post-its and display them where you can see them – bathroom mirror, at work on desk, in car.
  • Stop and review your list when things get carzy.
  • Purchase a gift certificate for massage or chiropractic care for that hard to shop for person.
  • Combine an uplifting book with fragrant candle and special tea.

SAVE YOUR BACK WHEN DECORATING.

  • DO NOT MOVE FURNITURE BY YOURSELF.  Offer to help a friend set up their tree if they will help you. Make a party out of buying and getting it home.
  • Do not do ladder stuff alone.
  • Have a tree delivered and set up or pay some college or high school students to do the heavy stuff.

PLAN AHEAD TO REDUCE CHAOS AND FRAZZLES

  • Balance your holiday party activity with quiet time.
  • You don’t have to go to every party and, if you do, you don’t have to stay late.
  • Schedule sleep time – very important – at least 3 nights a week get 8 hours.
  • Short power naps are helpful to some.
  • If you are a morning person, schedule some writing cards or preparation time then.
  • Schedule – yes plan – some time in nature.

HONOR THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

  • Whatever your spiritual source, take a little extra time to connect with the essence of the holiday.
  • Volunteer to help those less fortuante with financial help, but even more importantly, with compassion and participation.
  • Be more consciously forgiving and kind. Slow down. Be at peace with yourself and others.

P.S. I saw a great bumper sticker several months ago: God Bless Everyone – No Exceptions.