Lindsey Fitness News - 7th December 2023 - A Festive Pause & Plan

Published: Thu, 12/07/23

With just over 2 weeks to go ......how are you faring in the run up to Christmas?

Do you feel like you are riding the crest of a wave with your Festive plans and parties, ticking those boxes and crossing items off your list? Or are you feeling a little overwhelmed , stressed and anxious maybe? Hopefully not the latter but if you are please just STOP , breathe, step back and recalibrate.

If you are familiar with the energy hygiene tapping sequences I deliver through the Placebo Diet programmes, make sure to implement them first thing everyday. to create balance and positivity from the start. Read my top tips for coping with the madness of Christmas later in this newsletter.

A time for giving.....

Donating to Charity is also a tradition for many at this time of year, a thoughtful consideration sometimes in place of Christmas presents perhaps. I would like to highlight through this newsletter a rather quirky, but nonetheless most meaningful fundraising challenge by one of my members Jan Devenish.

3 years ago Jan was out on training for his 2nd Marathon with the Lindsey Fitness Running Club when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency CPR was administered for 40 minutes by myself and a fellow first aider running with us before the emergency services and the air ambulance could reach us and take over.

Jan has since made a wonderful recovery despite being left with a significant brain injury. Jan along with his brother in law Jason will be embarking on a drive from Lands End to John O Groats in a 1987 Reliant Realto starting on 19th January 2024 to try and raise £10,000 for the Essex and Herts air ambulance and Headway. Headway are a charity that provides rehabilitation and on going support for people with brain injuries.

Read More and Donate HERE

Thank you on behalf of Jan and Jason in anticipation of your help xxx

Also in this newsletter...

Top Tips for coping with overwhelm this Christmas
Family gift idea for Christmas
Last places booking for your New Year Reset
Festive Chicken & Vegetable Traybake Recipe
Alive and Cake-ing Christmas Discount Offer

Top Tips for Coping with Overwhelm Leading Up to Christmas

The Festive season is often a time filled with joy, love, and celebration. However, it can also be a period of overwhelming stress and anxiety. From buying gifts to organizing family gatherings, the weeks leading up to Christmas can leave many people feeling exhausted and stretched thin. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the mounting pressure, here are some top tips to help you manage overwhelm and enjoy a more peaceful festive season.

Prioritise and plan: Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish before Christmas. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps and prioritise them based on their importance. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks.
Set realistic expectations: Remember that you don't have to do everything or be perfect during the holiday season. Be realistic about what you can achieve and accept that it's okay to ask for help or delegate tasks. Focus on the meaningful aspects of the holidays rather than striving for perfection in every detail.
Practice self-care: It's crucial to take care of yourself during this busy time. Make sure to prioritise self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it's taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, getting to your regular exercise class or practicing meditation, find what works for you and make it a priority.
Learn to say no: It's easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving and end up overcommitting yourself. Remember that it's okay to say no to certain invitations or requests if they will add unnecessary stress to your life. Prioritise your own well-being and don't feel guilty for setting boundaries.
Simplify gift-giving: Gift-giving can be a significant source of stress at Christmas. Consider simplifying this process by suggesting a gift exchange or setting a budget for presents. Alternatively, you can opt for homemade or experiential gifts, which can often be more meaningful and less time-consuming.
Delegate and share responsibilities: Don't hesitate to ask for help and involve your family and friends in the preparations. Delegate tasks such as cooking, decorating, or shopping to lighten your load. Remember, the holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones, so make sure you're not shouldering all the responsibilities alone.
Take breaks and practice mindfulness: When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and give yourself a break. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, watching a movie, or spending time in nature. Practice mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
Stay organised: Keep track of your commitments, appointments, and deadlines by using a planner or digital calendar. By staying organised, you'll have a clear overview of your schedule and be better equipped to manage your time effectively.
Focus on gratitude: Amidst the chaos, take a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can shift your perspective and help you appreciate the true meaning of the holiday season.
Be present and enjoy the moment: Finally, remember to be present and enjoy the festivities. Instead of worrying about what's next on your to-do list, immerse yourself in the joy and magic of the festive season. Cherish the moments spent with loved ones and create lasting memories.

By implementing these tips, you can navigate the festive season with a sense of calm and joy. Remember, it's not about perfection or overwhelming yourself with tasks, but rather about embracing the true spirit of Christmas and finding peace amidst the chaos.

Christmas Gift Idea for the whole Family.......

My good friend Kardy Laguda is now an accredited Author of a series of books TOGETHER IS AWESOME.

His latest book in this brilliant series is FAMILY PRIME TIME

Make the most of together time with Family Prime Time Together is Awesome - a lively book jam-packed with so many interactive activities for deeper family bonding.

Take part in a variety of tasks and activities from spontaneous dance-offs to stimulating conversation starters as this book's games, crafts, exercises and tasks tap into playfulness, creativity, and meaningful interactions. Discover what could be new family traditions like Giggle Grip or Brain Squeezer challenges!

Perfect For:

Families looking to reduce screen time and engage in meaningful activities.
Parents and guardians seeking creative ways to nurture family bonds.
Anyone who loves the idea of learning, playing, and growing together as a family.

Festive Chicken and Vegetable Traybake

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium-sized parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
Brush the chicken all over with the marinade, making sure to coat it evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, red onion, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss to coat.
Arrange the mixed vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Every 30 minutes, baste the chicken with the juices from the pan.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Serve the roasted Christmas chicken with the mixed vegetables on a platter, garnished with fresh chopped parsley...ENJOY!

Note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and vegetables according to your preference. You can also add other seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes or mushrooms to enhance the flavours.

Many of you will remember my lovely Step daughter Charlie (formerly Charlie's Wheathampsted) not least of all for her fabulously, delicious cakes & treats!

Charlie is now a busy Mum to Elodie but is 'alive and cake-ing' from home.

Charlie is taking orders for Christmas and offering a 15% discount from this newsletter......but you've got to be quick to book one of her legendary bakes!!