Lowering Christmas Stress Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


I was just listening to an interviewer on our local radio station interview 'holiday shoppers'  at a local shopping center and I was struck by the words they used by shoppers to describe their experience/feelings. ....frustrated, stressed,anxious and many more......Why, I asked myself....then I thought of this post I did this time last year and thought I would re-post. Please use and share and make Christmas or the Holiday Season a relaxing one.


One well know Christmas song uses the refrain,

'the most wonderful time of the year.'

Is it? How come then there is so much stress?

Stress is not built into us. It is created by how we react to events in our life and Christmas is an event. How you respond to it may increase your stress.

Being aware of this is key to not allowing it to happen, or in lessening it through these Life Coaching Christmas tips.


Please use and share with clients or friends and family and it well may be the most wonderful time of the year.


1. Create your Christmas plan

Put pen to paper and write up activities and tasks for each day for the next two weeks. Check when completed.


2. Be reasonable & realistic with yourself and others

Remember, we are human and no one is perfect. The cakes, cookies and decorations you see on TV and in magazines are staged. It took many professionals many hours of their time to achieve this look. Cookies can burn and they do!


3. Focus on the real meaning of Christmas for you
If this means family, make sure you schedule uninterrupted family time. Turn off all phones for a period of time.


4. Introduce your children to some games you played as a child
Board games create memories and are great fun. They bring people together in a family circle.


5. Get other family members involved in house work

Depending on the age, simple and safe household tasks can be completed by most.


6. Be kind to Your Self
Take time to relax you. Go for a walk, take in a gym class, read a book, do nothing!


7. Decide to make Christmas Day a stress free day. That is up to you!


Have a stress free Christmas or Holiday Season.


Coach Phyllis

www.coachphyllis.com
phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Physical Activity and Cancer

Physical Activity and Cancer

Today's article is by guest blogger Liz Davies, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness.

Liz  Davies

Guest Blogger

Physical exercise is quickly becoming a large part of the recovery process for cancer patients undergoing one or more forms of treatment, and studies are showing that this not only reduces the pain symptoms associated with the treatment itself, it helps to keep the body's weight under control, aids in balancing metabolism and also works to bring about a positive mental attitude on the part of the patient. The old days of resting in bed are gone, as more and more evidence is being gathered that supports the idea of a rather active lifestyle for those afflicted with cancer.

Changes in Body Mass

Those undergoing treatment for cancer will usually experience either a substantial weight gain or weight loss, partly a result of the type of cancer and also tied closely to the form of treatment. In either case, the body undergoes a shock as attempts to maintain the normal weight is undertaken automatically by the body's systems. This has always been a concern for doctors who try to advise their patients on how best to keep the desired weight, appropriate amount of fat and healthy muscle tissue. Exercise has been proven to play a key role in maintaining the best possible height and weight proportion.

Normal Exercise Is Best

Today most health professionals are encouraging their cancer patients to undertake a physical exercise routine that would be the same as if they were otherwise healthy. Many suggest about 2.5 hours per week of exercise, which includes weightlifting, walking or jogging, gym equipment and general aerobic activities. Caution should be given to working out in public places, because many patients have a negatively affected immune system during chemotherapy; close contact with other individuals in the weight room may lead to a higher risk of infectious contractions.

As A Palliative Treatment

Exercising the muscles makes them work harder but also strengthens them. And muscles that are under worked are often those which produce pain for recovering cancer patients. In addition the fluids surrounding the joints are also affected by chemotherapy and therefore a moderately intense workout routine helps tremendously to relieve pain in these areas. 

Part of a Positive Attitude Lifestyle

Regardless of whether the recovering patient was already involved in a daily exercise routine, performing this kind of physical activity during treatment gives him or her the opportunity to focus on health in general. There is no question that anyone given a cancer diagnosis will realize the importance of good physical health, and beginning an exercise routine will motivate the individual to "keep at it". Besides, once the positive physical effects of an exercise routine are noticed, it reinforces the patient to continue with a daily regimen of exercise. This is really no different than seeing a reduction of fat when a good diet program is implemented.

It is time to say goodbye to the old idea that complete rest is the best medicine for those in chemotherapy for cancer no matter what type of cancer the patient has whether is it breast cancer, lung cancer or  
testicular mesothelioma. Keeping active does not harm the body, but helps it to heal, and produces a wonderful rise in the patient's mental state as well.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.  To contact Liz,  healthlylizd@gmail.com