TIP of the WEEK: Gearing Up for Christmas

As much as we may want to slow it down, there is no escaping that Christmas is one week away. Please take the time to take care of yourself just a little bit everyday.

Go for a drive for no reason. Alone. With really loud music. And sing!

Find a trusted person to watch your child for the day. Find a cheap hotel near home and get a room. Watch a movie. Take a nap. Paint your nails. Do nothing for a few hours. The money you spend on the hotel room will be well worth it! A few hours of undisturbed peace is worth every penny.

Try to keep up traditions. Even if there is some stress in the change in routine you will be thankful for the emotional security that comes along with family traditions.
Use your nose to de-stress. Buy candles or potpourri that smell amazing. Lotions, new shampoo, spray for your bed sheets- anything that makes you smile. Use it before bed.

Say yes as often as you can. Ask yourself if it is worth the fight. If it isn’t and no one will get hurt- say yes.
Smile. Smiling increases endorphins and improves your mood. You will feel incredibly foolish smiling for no reason but do it anyway! You’ll see…

Most of all take time to look around and count everything that you have. Focus on what’s good.

From everyone at Latham Centers we wish you a very, very merry Christmas!

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.