Tips for a happier Christmas 🎄
It’s always good to have a reminder 😀😀😀
Most of all prioritise fun 🤩 and be in the moment 🙏
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While it may seem that the holidays are all about fun and joy, for many people, they can be a huge time of stress, particularly right now with all that is going on.
It is okay to feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed this time of year – not just okay, but it’s actually completely normal to feel this way. Stop, Breathe, Take the pressure off yourself- is it worth it?
The stress and anticipation of Christmas and all that needs to be done as well as external pressures and expectations can cause you to feel more irritable, inconsistent, and indecisive.
Either way, it’s not a nice feeling – and there is something you can do about preventing or at least managing it.
So, today I want to share with you some tips to help you have a merrier, calmer Holiday season.
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Plan for Stress
Setting yourself up for success is all about preparation. Everything is about preparation- preparing effectively significantly reduces anxiety and stress. Try spending an evening pondering what aspects of the holiday season make you nervous. Is it about financial issues, family gatherings you don’t want to attend, or something else?
Having a list will help you tackle these problem areas more constructively.
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Say “No”
It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, you can only really help others when you’re taking care of yourself. That means that sometimes you need to decline an offer. Managing self care and knowing what is important to you is imperative to getting through the holiday season in one piece.
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Healthy Body – Healthy Mind
Stress and anxiety escalate easily when you’re tired or underslept. During the Holiday season, it’s incredibly important to prioritise getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep, healthier eating, and at least a little exercise.
Covering the basics of Sleep, Hydration, Exercise, and Diet will give you more energy and your immune system a much needed boost.
A short run, five minutes of stretching, or half-hour at the gym can give you a massive boost of feel-good endorphins that will help stabilise your mood and make tackling challenges easier.
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Set a budget
Holidays are expensive. Gifts, dinner reservations, and treats add up quickly. Set a budget and stick to it. If something doesn’t fit in it, remind yourself that staying afloat is more important than short-term gratification.
Talk to family and friends, manage expectations and set boundaries- you might find your family are relieved and appreciate you speaking up.
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Develop a Support Structure
Friends stick together through thick and thin. Remember that asking for help, a shoulder to cry on, or a helping hand is okay. There is no shame in it! Additionally, keep in mind that you have a host of emotional support hotlines you can depend on in a pinch!
There are loads of wellbeing groups and services out there right now. Check in on friends, a support network is an absolutely crucial part of mental wellbeing.
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Learn a Breathing Exercise
You never know when stress might come knocking. A short breathing exercise can be your secret weapon for recentering when you feel overwhelmed or close to an anxiety attack. Take a second to pull yourself aside and perform your preferred short exercise.
Try box breathing- count for 4 in, hold for 4 and exhale for 4, or a deep breathe in followed by another short inhalation followed by a big sigh.
This is the fasted way to reduce anxiety and sends a message to your body and brain that you are safe and it is ok to relax. These exercises will also activate your vagus nerve.
Vagus nerve activation is a fundamental part of healing and reducing stress hormones.
If you would like to know more about what I do or need any further help or advice please don’t hesitate to get in touch 🙏
Wishing you a calm and peaceful Christmas and New Year 🎄🎄🎄#stressless #enjoy #fun
