Well done, you did it!

I think we can all give a collective sigh of relief. Phew - what a year it has been!

The last few weeks have been crazy, but since the weekend, the world has started to slow down. Everywhere you look people have smiles on their faces, the schools have closed, the summer is here and the holiday feeling has finally kicked in.

(The festive season has also kicked in at Health24 - see our give aways at the end of this newsletter.)

Whether you are lucky enough to go somewhere on holiday, or will just have the few festive days off, it's that special time of the year when you get to spend quality time with your loved ones and doing the things that really matter.  

It's also a time to give yourself a pat on the back for the things that you have achieved; and for getting through this year in one piece! Recognise the good that you've done, acknowledge the mistakes that you've made, and give thanks for all the blessings that you've received and all that you've learned about yourself and others.  

Reward and re-energise yourself by going back to the simple things in life this festive season:

Switch off your cell phone, forget about your computer, Facebook and TV for a few days and just "be". Go for long walks on the beach, read that book you've been wanting to read forever, play games with your kids, get up early and watch the sunrise, be a tourist in your own town or simply sit in a park and listen to the wind rustling through the leaves.

Take the time to tell your family and friends how much they mean to you and reach out to people who may be lonely this festive season. Spare a thought for people who may be celebrating their first Christmas since the passing of a loved one; and the many people who will be working tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy.

Feeling lucky? Christmas has come early for Health24 readers. We're giving away a one-year Planet Fitness contract valued at R2 088 and five Value Added Life product hampers. We're also offering four Health24 readers free tickets (worth R950 each) to the very first Fedhealth International Natural Health Conference that will be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town in January next year. The closing date is 15 December, so hurry!

Here's to a wonderful and safe festive season.

(Birgit Ottermann, Health24, Natural Health Newsletter, December 2010)