by MiLa Driver

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Many of us tend to overindulge during these festive holiday months. We grab whatever is easiest to eat, we spend too much money, and we keep going and going like the Duracell bunny. There's nothing wrong with wanting the holidays to be perfect, but what IS wrong is neglecting ourselves in the process. This year make a commitment to be good to yourself before being good to anyone else.

One thing that typically flies out the window during the festive months is restful sleep. We get too busy and then find ourselves crawling into bed at midnight only to have to drag our weary bodies out of it six hours later. We need to remind ourselves that we will function much more efficiently if our bodies get enough rest each night. But how do we do that when life seems to be going at fast forward?

BE PREPARED There is no bigger time waster than going shopping without having the faintest idea of what we are after. Make a list of friends and family that you want to shop for and jot down one or two things you think they might like to receive from you. Instead of going to the mall, why not shop on-line first? You can do it any time of the day and can get a fairly good idea about where to shop for what you are looking for. This way when you do hit the stores you will know what you are looking for and will avoid wearing yourself out. This means you'll have time to get other things done and you'll be able to go to bed at a decent time.

EAT WELL Yes, it is harder to eat well than it is to eat badly but treat your body well and it will reward you with more energy to do what you've got to do. Don't skip any meals; especially breakfast. Don't eat past eight at night. Consider making snacks to take with you such as trail mix, cheese sticks, fresh fruit, or even a protein bar or drink. This way it will be easier to bypass the fast food and keep you on track for what you are doing. Eating well will also keep you from feeling starved at night which can interfere with your sleep.

AVOID CAFFEINE It's okay to have coffee, tea or soft drinks during the day but do avoid them late in the afternoon. Instead, have iced water. Most fast food places will give you a cup of iced water for free. Or have a small glass of juice. If you must have tea or soda, then have the caffeine-free variety. Avoiding caffeine will help you get into a drowsy mode a lot easier at bedtime.

TAKE A WARM BATH Make yourself take enough time out to take an actual bath and not a quick shower. Taking a warm bath will calm and relax you and help you get sleepy. Make sure you moisturize afterward since baths can dry your skin out and itchy skin definitely interferes with restful sleep.

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