December! All rules are out of the window! Chocolate for breakfast, an inability to find the 'off' switch when it come to Quality Street, and prosecco at 10am.
I'm writing this primarily for ME as I am having flashbacks to last Christmas and New Year when my sleep pattern basically went to the dogs, and I developed a habit of sleeping till 11am. Crikey! I give myself permission to have downtime, but for me, I really do think there IS just a thing as too much sleep.
This year, I plan to either be in my running gear, or my jammies. Ding Dong. whats not to like?
For me, its all about the daylight, and the serotonin. Pay attention 007.
Getting together with the family is brilliant at Christmas time. Would you believe that in this day and age, when we are connected to the Matrix 24/7, research has shown that the most common issue that counsellors hear from clients is loneliness. Here's the thing. Feelings of loneliness come about when there is a disconnect, or lack of love and belonging. Someone can live in a lively household, or a large group of people at a people, but still feel disconnected from people.
Be the one that starts the conversation, if you notice anyone skulking about on their own, or have a rabbit in the headlights look.
We were born to be in pack! Thousands of years ago, thats how we survived. Packs of 200 or so, sticking together. A breakaway from the pack meant isolation or death in the wild! Yikes!
And now, the serotonin bit.
Here's a quote from Dr Gabija Toleikyte, a neuroscientist and wellbeing coach (mybrainduringtheday.com)
"if we consume too much sugar, it changes the microbiome in the gut, and this poses a problem because 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP - an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin -actually originates in the gut. When we eat very sugary or acidic foods, then our microbiome is changed and we can't produce as much of the serotonin precursor 5-HTP any more"
(Right now, I'm having a flash back to exactly how many Quality Street I polished off with a mate the other night, My 'reward' system in my brain got waaaaaaay out of control!)
Realise that its all about the daylight! As I mentioned at the top, I plan to spend my time either in my running gear, or my jammies. Daylight and getting outside are so important at this time of the year, there is a reason we are all attracted to twinkling lights during December and January (or is that just me?) If you exercise regularly, keep it up! Also, make a promise to yourself to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day.
Whatever you decide to get up to, do with people you want to be with, doing what you want to do. One friend (Hello PP) has done a Christmas DVD advent calendar and the household are working through 25 Christmas movies, and possibly past new year! My plan is to get as many musicals and Cary Grant movies in as I can. Calamity Jane for the win, and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and most likely Blazing Saddles as well. That's the kind of well rounded up bringing I had.
Here's to another year of being so fabulous, you can't help yourself! (daaaaaahling!)
Elizabeth