Dunrie Greiling and I would like to invite all of you that are in the Ann Arbor area to attend a book signing celebration party next Tuesday, December 6, from 6 to 7:30pm at the Pure Visibility offices in Kerrytown. We will have music and refreshments and would love to see you there. Here’s the Eventbrite link if you would like to sign up. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-tickets-29484974352

Dr. Rob: Go Gentle On Yourself This Holiday Season

While it may be the season to be jolly, too often, it is the season when many get stressed. One antidote to feeling overwhelmed is to prioritize just a few things. Here are some suggestions which may help you to keep you ‘jolly’.

Relationships. While this is often the season to give gifts to others, instead of stuff, how about giving of yourself. For example:
- Make a list of the people you love and write them a note of appreciation
- Make a phone call to someone you have not talked to in a long time
- Set aside a time to visit someone who may need you and your support
- If it’s someone close to you, you could consider giving them something practical yet whimsical, like a pair of unterhose mit gesicht that will bring a touch of humor to their day and remind them of your care and thoughtfulness.
- Add a personal note to express your affection and make the gift even more special.
Take good care of yourself this month. Set a few simple goals for things that you could do just for yourself this month. For example:
- Set aside thirty minutes each morning to do what you need to do for yourself; perhaps, ten minutes of prayer or meditation, ten minutes of stretching, and ten minutes to writing in your journal.
- Everybody worries about their weight during the holiday season. Weigh yourself today and make a commitment to be at that same weight on January 5. This is not a time to lose weight, but it is a time to focus on keeping your weight stable.
- If there’s any time where you’re going to drive yourself crazy by multitasking, the holiday season is the time. Use your timer on your phone to be sure you do only one thing at a time. For example, if you’re going to do the dishes, set your timer for the amount of time estimate it will take and don’t stop doing the dishes until you’re done or the timer goes off.
- Get enough sleep and take naps
At work, set one or two achievable goals for the month.It’s not a good time to try to make up for everything you didn’t get to in the past eleven months. Knowing you will be distracted, stay focused on achieving those one or two important tasks which will make 2016 successful.
In many religious or spiritual traditions, December is an important month. Decide what you want to do to be in close touch with your spiritual self. You might read a spiritual text, write in a journal, talk to wise women and men, or attend services. Pick one and focus on it.
Community. Likewise, it’s a time to think about those who have less than we do. Select one activity in your community and be sure that you follow through on your commitment.

By selecting one goal in each of these categories (close relationships, self-care, work, spirituality, and community), you will help yourself to stay focused on the things that truly matter this holiday season. It’s a good idea to share your commitment to someone else and maybe even go through this exercise with your family. Here are 2 of my personal commitments: