hIt’s been hard to get things done lately. Getting up at the unreasonable hour of 4:30 a.m. has lost its appeal, even for me, a self-proclaimed morning person. These cold and misty, foggy mornings are enough to make me want to stay under the duvet. Combine that with a little hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and the fact that it’s dark by 5:00 p.m., and it’s a wonder I accomplish anything. And why should I? Seriously folks, we need to take a tip from the bears this season and hibernate.

Several of my posts have been about getting organized, staying motivated or eating right. Not this one. Even the most health conscious among us need to just give it a rest. Literally. I used to have a yoga teacher who said we should follow nature’s lead. When the days get shorter and there’s less daylight — do less! Simple, sound advice that I, for one, plan on heeding, which is why if you ring my doorbell at 7:00 p.m., you’re likely to find me in my pajamas, if I come to the door at all.

hThe body and mind need time to recharge. Despite popular opinion, this is not the time to be running around after dark doing your holiday shopping. (Do what I do — shop online!) Why do you think so many people get sick this time of year? It’s all that dangerous candle burning people do trying to get everything done. Trust me, your loved ones would rather have you around healthy, than not. That really is the best present.

So consider this permission to do a little guilt-free indulging. Key words: guilt-free. Slip into your sweats, curl up with a blanket and watch that sappy Hallmark Channel Christmas special. (You know you want to.) And don’t forget, animals live off their stored fat during the winter, so I say it’s okay to put on a few pounds this time of year. Hey, what are New Year’s Resolutions for? Happy napping.h