Guest Post: Maintenance ...by Pat Walsh

* Maintenance * 

I was driving along this morning and the Christmas songs are playing on the radio when I realised how close it is.

'And it's been so long, But I will be there

I sing this song, To pass the time away

Driving in my car

I’m writing on Thursday 5th December, this day 3 weeks is St Stephen’s Day and a week after is the 2nd January.

How you handle the next few weeks has a big bearing on 2025.

Of course it is the season to enjoy and relax but maybe, just maybe you might try to maintain some semblance of fitness through the period.

I’m not preaching New Year resolutions or anything like that, but it is much easier to plan when the body is ready to push on again, rather than a tough few weeks of slog to rediscover some bit of fitness.

So what do you do?

Get out as often as you can for a run. It doesn’t matter how far and even a cycle or a walk will all help.

It is a dark time of the year with limited daylight so try to make the best use of any opportunity you get. This is also vital for mental health as we need fresh air, exercise and some social interaction to counterbalance the effects of these short days and what it does to our mood levels.

Very few people improve their fitness in December but if you can manage to maintain current levels or even allow a little slippage then that is very good.

I can eat my body weight in sweets and biscuits this month but if balanced with fruit and vegetables, then I have a sporting chance.

Alcohol in various forms will hit you from every angle but a daily, decent supply of water flowing through the system can negate the worse effects of it.

Lots of clubs and organisations hold some events over the holidays and please join in. They tend to be fun events at this time of year with maybe a festive costume of decoration. They can be fantastic for the mind and spirit. Don’t be afraid to take part and laugh at yourself and others. It can bring out the inner child in all of us.

'“He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good, for goodness sake!'

Am I a killjoy? No I don’t think so.

Relax, make merry, enjoy yourself. Live, love, socialize, connect, share and make this place better by your existence.

Some, who celebrated last year and are not with us anymore, would agree with my sentiments.

Have a lovely weekend. 

#pwr