5) Tune up Your Thoughts With Chiropractic

Most days I have to wonder how people survive without chiropractic care. Whenever I have "stinking thinking" or whenever I am not centred or grounded in my body, there are generally two factors at play; I need an adjustment or I need to meditate. Sometimes both.

Your nervous system governs physical functions, like your ability to digest food properly and to sleep well, as well as emotional and mental functions, like the quality of your thoughts and your energy levels. Many chemical reactions take place with thought creation. Studies show that feelings of hopelessness or being overwhelmed create a stress overload in our nervous system which in turn can cause body malfunction. This may occur in the reverse order as well. Mental health or the lack thereof can be just as debilitating, if not more so, than poor physical health.

Regular visits to the chiropractor, especially during crazy periods like the Christmas holidays, can have a significant effect on your overall well-being and help you to appreciate the beauty in each day.

6) Bring Back the Humour and Start Afresh!

Parenting can be really tough at times but I have learnt (sometimes the hard way) that it is far better to stay light-hearted and to see the humour in the day.

Our family has an agreement to try to make each other laugh about the little things each day. We have decided to focus on what is right in our life, to notice the good things in our world, and the good things in each other. Life can be far too serious!!

While we may at times feel tethered by our parental responsibilities, we have a choice to hold onto our resentments or judgments, or to make a fresh connection each day to our partners and children-for their sakes and ours.

7) Surround Yourself With People Who Inspire You

The truth be told, whether it is school holidays or the middle of school term, parenting can sometimes feel like "Ground-hog Day"; a monotonous merry-go-round of problems from which we cannot escape. Those feelings are greatly amplified if we surround ourselves with people who are pessimistic.

If you consciously observe people, you will find many parents who are extremely happy juggling family life, and who are genuinely enjoying the ride of family chaos. Their relationship as a couple will likely have deepened over the years to new levels of friendship and bliss, and by learning better communication skills, their lives will have become richer and more meaningful.

I encourage you to find such families who are achieving an authentically happy life. Surround yourself with these positive people. We become like the people we interact with, so keep company with those who fascinate and inspire you.

Parenting is a bumpy and crazy journey at the best of times. We all have different experiences of it, but one commonality is that our lives are a lot simpler when our children are healthy and happy. With a little forethought and planning, the holiday season can be everything it is meant to be-a time of relaxation, laughter and togetherness for all members of the family, including mums and dads.