[RxForSanityeNews]
Mind Over Platter
Seven opportunities for mass destruction. Seven chances to ride on the ragged edge of disaster. That is, seven winter holiday parties on my schedule this year.
Potential disaster. How to face the danger? 2004 was a banner year for me, both opening my solo practice and hosting a new weekly radio show on NPR (www.whro.org/housecalls), I succeeded in not combatting my resultant stress with my usual oral mechanism. In fact, with exercise and South Beach I removed 24 lbs. With all the upcoming high-caloric festivities, visions of sugarplums would now be dancing, if I had any idea what they are (I get sort of a candied prune image--yuck. Let’s substitute baked brie). After all, the overindulgence symbol of the season is an obese man in a straining festive outfit. And we’re not talking Hanukkah Hal. What to do? No fun at the parties? No indulgence at all?
Then I hit upon the answer. Not self-control (which I lack), but self-awareness (which comes in buckets for most gals). Until early 2005 when the jolly danger is past, I will account to myself daily for my health and well-being. I love computers, thus I made myself an Excel spreadsheet. Each sheet has room for data for a week, including daily weight, exercise (whether it be elliptical, free weights, tai chi class, or sit ups), meditation, even a space to mark down four daily servings of veggies. I carry this form in my purse and fill it out daily. Will knowing that I weigh XXX keep me out of the cheesecake? Not entirely, but it may make me more conscious of my actions, and allow me to make choices rather than grazing on it all. It might cause me to make the time for self-care and exercise this holiday season.
Give yourself a present this holiday season: a present of mental presence and ‘being in the moment’ through your own holiday party schedule. Apply *your* mind over platter … maintain by using your brain.
Joyous holidays to you and your family.
Pat Raymond M. D. &
Barbara Pollock, Executive Assistant, Rx For Sanity
*A ‘Pat’ on the Back to…*
Just like Bob Hope’s Christmas visit to the troops (but minus the nose), Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia is hosting Dr. Raymond to do three presentations of "Rx For Sanity: Triage, Love & Laughter" for their staff on Thursday, December 15th- at 0730 for Docs and Night Shift with breakfast, 1200 with lunch for half of the day nursing staff, and at 1500 for the other half of days and evenings (no word on food for the last group- let's hope they get some sugar!)
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