I’ve always had trouble with the holidays. Even as a child, I wasn’t that enthusiastic about them. Yes, I liked the presents part and some of the traditions and routines, but given I am such a creature of comfort and regularity, they tended to take their toll on me.

The rich food made it hard to sleep.

All the people made it hard to sleep.

Are you noticing a theme here?

Generally the loss of routine care got lost in the excitement.

As an adult, I’ve tended to be quite ill during the holidays. Colds, flu, respiratory infections.

Too much stress?

Too much food?

Not enough self-care?

I’m not quite sure of the answer, but I’ve made changes the last couple years to make the month of December more enjoyable {or at least more tolerable}.

This year, I will live with intention to truly take care of myself.

Starting in December, I’m following Rosie’s lead and making myself a wellness prescription and claiming my care.

Specifically I will:

• Attend every session of Madeleine’s Yoga for Holiday Stress – translation: yoga class FOUR times in December!

• First thing in the morning, a walk with Ruby – at least 30 minutes

• Using Madeleine’s Manuel as a guide, I’ll consult my book of me when I’m out of sorts and try to solve my problem.

• Back to the weight room twice a week – 20 minutes is all I need.

• Soak, steam, sauna at least once a week – the Church of Quiet awaits.

• Water, Emergen-C, multivitamin and vitamin D daily.

• Listen to music – such a pleasure in my life and yet I need a reminder to do this.

• Connect with my spouse – even if for just a 5 minute hug {Do you do this? If not, try it}.

• A fruit and a veggie at every meal – remembering if I’m not hungry enough for an apple, I’m not really that hungry.

• Minimize processed foods.

• Keeping dairy out of my body – that means no cookies, no cake, no desserts unless they are vegan. {ps – I’m not saying you, dear reader, must say dairy-free, I must}.

• Reading for pleasure – from a book or magazine – every day.

• Schedule a massage {or two} before the end of the year.

• Sleeping at least 7 hours at night – even if that means missing a turn or two in Words With Friends and going to sleep before 10.

• Being with friends – in person, if possible – seriously, if we don’t have a date already let’s get something scheduled STAT.

What would be on your prescription for wellness? How would you claim your care?