Here are two important ways of how best to use our time in finding the energy to do everything we need to do and have more fun and enjoyment at Christmas time.

1. Take your time. Taking your time and slowing down will improve the quality of your life more than almost anything. Rushing is stressful, instead tell yourself "There's plenty of time..." It will help you to slow down and keep things in perspective.

Set your own pace. When someone is pushing you or if you feel the demands are becoming too heavy, it's OK to say 'no'.

A few more ideas for keeping Christmas in its place:

Remember the PainSupport motto: "I can if I plan".
Keep things in perspective.
Only do things that are absolutely necessary or important to you.
Plan your days and activities thoughtfully and carefully.
See if you can find easier ways to do all the jobs you want to do.
Accept help - could someone else do that job instead of you?
Always ask "Will the benefits of doing this outweigh the costs to me?"
Be very clear, to yourself and others, about what you can/cannot do.
Structure your activities, so that you know, before you start, how long it is sensible for you to sit or stand at a task before you need to move.

See below for a gift to give to yourself - and a gift from us to you.

Let your fingers do the walking!

These companies offer a good online service, keep the list handy! Remember to allow plenty of time for delivery of your orders. Some, such as Beauty Naturals, offer free postage. There are usually plenty of bargains to be had around Christmastime.

Choose 'Relax & Release your Pain' for lovely relaxation tracks plus self-management tips for pain relief or 'Perfect Relaxation' for eight different tracks such as exploring a tropical paradise, taking a walk by the sea, relaxing under an old tree by a enchanting stream or discover a beautiful valley with your own secret hideaway.

Go to either of these pages to download or buy CDs,
www.painsupport.co.uk/products/cdsdownloads.asp
www.perfectrelaxation.com/generalrelaxationcds.htm
 

Click the links in the box for any of the items below.

Newsletter and Pain Relief Toolkit. You are welcome to forward this newsletter to your friends. Not already signed up for our monthly newsletter and the Toolkit download? Or just would like another copy of the Toolkit? Sign up now from the link in the box.

Pain Logs. Print as many copies of the Pain Logs as you need. They will help you keep track of your pain and find out what affects it. They can be used for medical consultations to show your doctor how your pain affects you.

Relaxation Tips. Download our two collections of relaxation tips.

Contact Club & Discussion Forum. Find friends, ask questions, find answers…

I hope you find the above ideas useful. For more information and ideas for pain relief, please go to the PainSupport and/or Perfect Relaxation websites, addresses below.

All best wishes for a very happy Christmas - and keep smiling!
Jan at PainSupport
www.painsupport.co.uk
www.perfectrelaxation.com