All the Christmas frenzy virtually melts away by 6pm on December 25^th. When all is said and done remember that the season marks Christ’s birthday not yours, so make Him the focus and give Him all the glory.

Just like 2021 appears to have been a sprint, January 2022 will be here soon and yes January will once again be the “longest” month of the year so be careful. Let’s take a look at some of these areas as we prepare for the Christmas carols and décor that seem to be avoiding the limelight as much as possible.

1. Climate Change and Christmas
   1. These days the sun is really bluffing. It can get so hot one’s brain seems to melt.
   2. Climate Change has made the weather so unpredictable we may even end up with rain on Christmas Day. Remember to protect yourself from extreme heat. When planning for an event don’t assume it won’t rain. Stay safe at all times.
2. Insane traffic, driving and accidents
   1. The traffic in the capital has been ridiculous and this trend started over a month ago. It promises to get worse and we can all help by
      1. Working from home if your job allows that
      2. Carpooling
      3. Planning trips well to avoid traffic and wasting fuel; and the price of fuel is no child’s play
   2. Staying in traffic may tempt you to get on your phone but “Don’t Drive & Text. You are an ACCIDENT IN WAITING if you do.”
3. COVID-19 does not “celebrate” Christmas
   1. Christmas 2021 appears to be one that Sikaman will receive many “guests” from far and wide and they will definitely want to chill.
   2. There will be parties and many large gatherings and excited people tend to forget that there are protocols to follow and COVID-19 does not recognize Christmas; at least it didn’t when I last checked.
   3. I am sure you remember that at about the same time in 2020 we seemed to be enjoying a “break” from COVID till election campaigns, Election Day, celebrations and Christmas joy eroded all our gains. Remember that and stay safe.
4. Party preparation & an excuse to indulge
   1. This festive season do not skip your meals in preparation for a party. Hunger will make you overeat and also you are prone to making bad choices as your stomach churns.
      1. If you have an evening function that involves food eat a heavy healthy lunch at home and ensure you are well hydrated. This will reduce the tendency to overeat.
      2. At a buffet, serve yourself and move away. Do not find excuses to stay by the food and snacks.
      3. You are not expected to “try” everything that is served. Pick a few of your favourite and let the rest be.
   2. Your days are packed but since almost everyone will indulge, make time to exercise most days even if it’s for less than 10 minutes
      1. You can even walk in place at your bedside and add my all-time favourites of push-ups, squats and planks.
      2. At parties, church programmes and other functions take every opportunity to dance; well that is exercise and also keeps you away from the food and drinks.
   3. Alcohol has a way of making everything “enjoyable” – be careful of what and how much you drink because you will end up making THE WRONG CHOICES. I can guarantee that
      1. This does not mean coloured drinks loaded with sugar are a good substitute. Remember moderation is key.
5. Keeping wellness on track?
   1. Make time to SLEEP. There is the temptation to be part of every “show”, slow down. It’s not the end of life
   2. Make time to breathe, your body including your mental health will be grateful to you
   3. Do not “over” indulge during the season. It will soon be over and you will have to start all over again. Remember what it took to reach your goals …
6. Financial wellness and heartbreaks
   1. If you have not been putting money away all year for gifts, fun-time and other expenses, this is no time to “squeeze” because something else will have to give; rent, mortgage, car payment, school fees, food for January 2022 etc. Keep within your “lane” and prepare for Christmas 2022. You will definitely cause some heartbreaks but it is what it is.
   2. If you want to enjoy Christmas 2022 then preparation starts in January 2022. Start putting some money away every month
7. New Year resolutions
   1. And the cycle will start all over again within a week of Christmas Day. There is no magic about New Year resolutions and many fail to progress beyond a few weeks. I do not know your experience with New Year Resolutions but I daresay, if you have great plans for your physical, social, mental, financial, spiritual and digital wellbeing start now and get back on track whenever you go off course.

The bottom-line is and has remained the same for ages; Christmas marks the birth of Christ our Lord and Saviour. Make time to praise, worship, thank Him and learn more about him.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/ St Andrews Clinic/Mobissel

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise.

Thought for the week – “Don’t drive and text. You are an accident in waiting if you do.”

References:

1. Unravelling the Essentials of Health & Wealth – Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel