Take it easy this Christmas season

Before delving into this column fully, take some time to read the following excerpt:

“A man was sitting in his office on the 19th floor of a building. A man came running into his office and shouted, “John, your daughter Anna from your second wife just died in an accident right opposite this building”. The gentleman was in a panic. Not knowing what to do, he jumped out through his office window. While coming down, when he was near the 14th floor, he remembered he didn’t have a daughter named Anna. When he was near the 7th floor, he remembered he was not married yet. When he was about to hit the ground, he remembered that his name was not even John...”

This excerpt makes light of a serious issue, but the message is clear. In this fast-paced age, we really need to take a step back and analyse any stressful situation that may present itself before we make any rash decisions. We can get so overwhelmed in this life at times, that we forget it can all be over in a flash. Therefore, we should try to live a balanced life and really try, however hard, to take it easy.

Now as the Christmas season is ushered in this December, let me take this time to encourage and remind Barbadians that they should do their best to take good care of their physical bodies and pay attention to their general well-being. This is the time of year where Barbadians usually get into a flurry painting and pulling down their homes, engaging in late night shopping and attending numerous events. Whilst it is known as the season to be “merry”, it is also the season when people’s pressure tends to rise, as they seem to have more things to do than time allows. It is also that time of year when the roads get extra hectic and frustration sets in as time ticks by. This is the season when persons are easily stressed and unnecessary stress can lead to sickness. So please, take the time to care both body and mind in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

Here are some tips you may find useful. First, determine to stay active (running to and fro doesn’t count), since physical activity is an excellent stress-buster and also does wonders for the mind. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.

Secondly, try to stick to a healthy diet, even if it is Christmas. This means lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and less sugar, red meat, refined and processed foods, and saturated fats. You are allowed some treats here and there of course, but don’t go overboard.

Thirdly, limit alcohol consumption.

Finally, get enough sleep, since a lack of sleep can increase stress and can make persons less able to handle stressful situations. Sleeplessness can be one of the many signs that your body is under stress. Other body signals include headaches, backaches, digestive problems, concentration problems, a racing heart, and panic attacks.

While we all have responsibilities at work and at home, we must give ourselves permission to relax here and there. And this is the perfect season to do so.