The countdown to Christmas has begun and for many this can be a time of increased stress and anxiety. In our latest blog, we look at 5 ways to feel less stressed in the run up to Christmas, helping you feel more in control, so you can actually enjoy it. Christmas does only happen once a year… Thank God, we hear you cry!
5 Ways To Feel Less Stressed This Christmas:
1. Learn To Say NO!
The evenings are drawing in ever earlier and let’s face it, the outside world is really pretty cold and miserable at the moment. If curling up in your pyjamas, in front of a warm fire with a mug of hot chocolate, watching your favourite movie is the way you want to rock n roll to Christmas, then don’t worry about saying no to some social engagements. We can all do too much and say yes to everything. This will leave us feeling pretty exhausted and not at our best the next day when we really need to be trying to get some of that to do list done. Money worries are also at the top of most people’s list this year so select carefully which nights out you say yes to and which ones you politely decline, just don’t feel bad about saying no. It can be very empowering.
2. Limit The Number of Presents You Buy
Buying lots of Christmas presents is time consuming (to buy and wrap) and expensive. If this is something that this is stressing you out, think of a different way of doing things this year. Instead of buying family members presents this year, you could perhaps get tickets to the pantomime or another experience and enjoying doing something altogether. Other ways could be to do a Secret Santa so you just have to buy one present instead of say 10. If you’re crafty or able to rustle up a cupcake or two, could you make something rather than having to buy and wrap? These types of thoughtful gifts are often more appreciated as well.
3. Still Find Time for You
In between work, social engagements and drowning under wrapping paper and ribbons, try and take some time out for you. This could be just going for a walk whilst listening to your favourite podcast or taking a bath. How about a calming meditation or watching one of your favourite Christmas films? Just something to help you switch off and reenergise. Sleep is also really important…back to point 1! With so many winter bugs around. It’s important to look after yourself and get some decent shuteye. We recently outlined the benefits of trying to get outside, even for just a few minutes, when the winter sun makes an appearance. This is important to help boost your immune system, improve sleep and reduce stress.
4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to deliver the perfect Christmas but it really doesn’t have to be. Not everything has to be baked or cooked from scratch and it’s not just one person’s responsibility to make Christmas happen. Remember to delegate and ask for help in the run up and on the big day itself. You deserve to enjoy the festive season as well.
5. Have Something to Look Forward to in the New Year
After all the rush and excitement, it’s natural to feel a little deflated when the New Year rolls round. All that planning, time and expense and it’s over just like that! Why not make sure you have something special to look forward to in the first quarter of the new year. It could even be something you get for Christmas, such as theatre tickets, a lovely meal out complete with babysitters sorted or even an escape to a Wootton Park Wellness Retreat! We have a gorgeous two-night retreat planned just before Valentines and this could really be the ideal way to show yourself some kindness and compassion. Pop it on your Christmas Wishlist and you never know, you could just find one of our gift vouchers in your stocking on Christmas Day!
We hope that by adopting at least some of these measures, you will start to feel less stressed in the run up to Christmas and able to enjoy both the build up and the big day itself. Here’s to a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.