It seems that I have been bestowed the honour of signing off my Health Columns for 2023 in the last issue, so here goes with some end-of-year wisdom. Or something like that. It is a year that has seen a number of challenges, namely the weather events in January and February. At the very least the benefit from this has been a lesson in resilience. Now however it is time to look forward.
We are well and truly locked into the time of year when Christmas carols echo around the malls, petrol station forecourts and business reception areas. Christmas trees are set up, baubels are hung and you struggle with that birds nest of tinsel that you swear was packed away in an orderly fashion 10 months ago. Workplace Christmas parties are in full swing and the planning is well underway for the family function. My three tips for the Christmas period are as follows:
- Switch off! Everything. Work emails, phones, technology. Reconnect with PEOPLE.
- Less is more. There is a fine line between enjoying oneself and over-indulgence.
- There is nothing better than left-overs!
Following the Christmas hype there will be the New Years buzz, when some may look to a new goal or resolution. Though I have personally never really had a New Years resolution, laying down a challenge is a great way to start a calendar year. My advice is to keep those resolutions realistic. We all have that BHAG (big, hairy audacious goal) but most big achievements come from the combination of a number of smaller goals. A new step up in your career comes from working away at the lower runs to get noticed. That target weight comes from months in the gym, walking or on a bike.
- Small goals make big goals.
- Tell others about your goals, they can help keep you accountable.
- Positivity makes all the difference, believe in yourself!
On a personal note many of the columns that I have written over the last few years have been my own goals coming to life. The readers have been those to “hold” me accountable (even if I didn’t meet you!). These columns also helped me to look for the positives despite the challenging times this year has thrown at us.
So finally I would like to thank all my readers over the last few years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of researching, crafting, and writing these columns. A big thanks to Hibiscus Matters for the ongoing opportunity to contribute.
A big Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
Nb. Written as Health columnist for the Hibiscus Matters.
