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There’s so much going on at this time of the year that it’s easy to stop looking after yourself properly. If you’re flat out at work, partying all night and stressed about how you’re going to pay for all that Christmas shopping, chances are that come the New Year you’ll be heading for a burn out.
Keeping yourself happy and healthy is one of those things that should always come first, but it can be hard to prioritise your own needs, especially when there are so many other demands on your time. December’s challenges are designed to help you stay cool, calm and collected this silly season.
TAME
Make aplan. When there’s so much going on it’s important to be organised. Sit down each week and plot out what you’ve got going on every day so you’re under control. Make sure you schedule in time to do things you enjoy, so you get a chance to chill out.
Get chatting. If you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed or the silly season is getting you down then curl up with the phone and indulge in a marathon phone session with someone you love (mums are great for this!). Talking things through is a good way to put them in perspective.
INTERMEDIATE
Organise a festive gettogether. Every year my family gathers at my parents’ place to decorate the tree together and enjoy a glass of bubbly while cranking cheesy carols. Make decorating your place a similar event - even if your family isn’t local, your friends are sure to enjoy the occasion.
Don’t forget a Christmas present for yourself! When life is busy it’s important to focus on the things that make you happy, so spend some time choosing yourself a Christmas gift. You might book in a massage, buy that lipstick that makes you feel hot or splash out on a totally unnecessary, but completely gorgeous pair of shoes.
CHALLENGING
Think about your goals for 2008. I’m not talking about clichéd New Year’s resolutions, but rather taking a holistic view of what you’ve achieved this year and where you’d like to be at the same time next year. Write yourself a letter to read in December 2008 so you can see how far you've come.
Stayactive. Between all those late night functions and long lunches it can be hard to find the time to squeeze in some exercise. If you’ve fallen off the fitness bandwagon don’t wait until January to climb back on. Keeping active is key at this time of the year, so try and get up 30 minutes earlier and enjoy a quick walk around your neighbourhood.
Gemma Have you been down in the dumps or feeling really low for more than a couple of weeks? A new website thelowdown.co.nz has been created to help New Zealanders identify and recover from depression. You will find loads of helpful info and tips, personal stories from local celebrities about depression and an online chat service if you want talk to a counsellor about how you’re feeling. Make sure you check it out.
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Keeping yourself happy and healthy is one of those things that should always come first, but it can be hard to prioritise your own needs, especially when there are so many other demands on your time. December’s challenges are designed to help you stay cool, calm and
out what you’ve got going on every day so you’re under control. Make sure you schedule in time to do things you enjoy, so you get a chance to chill out.
INTERMEDIATE
a Christmas gift. You might book in a massage, buy 
yourself a letter to read in December 2008 so you can 