As the year winds to an inevitable conclusion, the anticipation of summer starts to set in. The holiday season is generally a time when there is an ‘excuse’ or ‘reason’ to take time out for you! Most people today spend much of their lives ‘rushing’ or meeting deadlines, managing families and trying to add some fun time into that mix. However, often the person that gets the least attention is the person you know the best…YOU.

Stress is almost synonymous with life today and can have serious implications for us if we do not give ourselves adequate time and space to recharge and rejuvenate. Stress manifests in ways that become increasingly apparent for us and those around us. You may become lethargic, attention span can be affected, often you notice a quickening of the pulse or heart rate and increased perspiration. These are just a few of the obvious physical signs that you’re under pressure and that you need to consider taking timeout!

How can we avoid the potential negative effects of stress? Everyone has needs that are unique to them, however, there are a few ‘sure fire’ tips that seem to be universally recognised as “stress busters!”

• Leave work behind... If only for a short time! Try hard to shut up shop and enjoy a break. Easier said than done, yet if you choose to focus on something else, for example, a personal goal for the coming year...it will be easier to put distance between you and work.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes staying at home is no break at all, as you get hooked into completing those forgotten tasks. Even if it’s only for a day, try getting away, to a beach, a bush walk, another space where there is no chance you can be tempted into focusing on your stuff!
• Set some goals for YOU: Not for work or for family or for anyone else: JUST FOR YOU! Our busy lives sometimes lessen the importance that we place on keeping ourselves happy.

The holiday season can provide us with a little of that secret elixir that will allow us to re-group, re-examine and rejuvenate so that we know exactly where we are heading in the New Year. Take some time to think carefully about the resolutions you make, don’t take this job lightly...because life is what you make it.... so let’s make it GREAT! Happy New Year!


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