Enjoying the Holidays

Time becomes condensed during the holiday season. That time period between Thanksgiving and the New Year just seems crushed with things to do and places to go. Don't let extra activities take time from you and your well-being.

• Get sleep

  If you've been pushing it, make sure you pack it in early one day and get an extra hour or two of sleep. You will more than make up for it in productivity the next day.

• Eat as well as you can.

  Yes, there are parties and treats, but do your best to eat foods such as vegetables and light proteins, so your body is getting the nutrients it needs while you indulge in those foods you love.

• Get some space

  Take Walks and/or keep up any exercise you do. Most of us work in an office, travel in a car, sit at home; we are in confined spaces. We are staring at a computer and doing actions that limit the space we have.

  I find the most therapeutic action I take during the week is finding time to take a walk. I will be thinking, "Oh, I have so much to do," or "I just don't have the energy today." But I make myself go out with the idea I will just do 10 minutes.

  I start out completely tired. Then, I look at the houses lining the street and notice what people have done with them. I smile at the plastic geese in one neighbor's yard. Down further on, at a large classic-style house, I see two large happy faces above either side of the entryway. I don't know why the are there, but they make me laugh.

  What I have found is if I steal just a few minutes to take a walk in the morning it can make all the difference in how my day goes. Once out in the open air, my day gets planned, situations resolve, and ideas for new gifts come to mind. When I get back, I am raring to go. If you can't do mornings, do it on your lunch break or after work.

  Take a few minutes and really look outward. Look across yards, to the tops of buildings, do anything to give you a different sense of space. You will find problems melting away and priorities becoming clear.

  Today as I was walking, I spotted a lavender rose in full bloom. I felt fortunate that I had that moment to stop and smell the roses. It was glorious.

• Terry August