Stress less this holiday season

Christmas is a time for fun, family and feasting. But, for some people, Christmas is also a time of stress, so what’s the best way to deal with potential family tensions and a month of canapes and cocktails?

Eat and drink mindfully

Before you arrive at a party, decide how many drinks you’re going to have (we recommend sticking with just one or two). Then after each drink, sip a glass of sparkling water. This pattern will help you stay hydrated, so you can avoid a throbbing headache tomorrow.

It’s not the wonderful treats on offer at this time of year that cause us to overindulge; the real problem is that we so often eat without paying attention, without really thinking about and enjoying what we’re eating. Resolve to eat only when you can focus fully on the experience. Eat more slowly than usual – that allows you to recognise when you’ve eaten enough.

Stay active

Moving your body may be the bets form of self-care this season. Try to get your workout in first thing, before the demands of the day pile up. You’ll be more likely to stick with your routine if you’re exercising in the morning. Or if not, get outside in the sunshine and take the dogs/kids/granny for a walk.

Take a moment to reflect

The holiday season means different things to different people. For some, it’s about religious observance; for others, it’s about food-centric traditions or just quality time with family. Every day, maybe when you wake up, spend a minute or two thinking about what the season means to you. This daily exercise remind you to keep your priorities straight: your loved ones, your happiness, and your health.

Get some rest

It’s tempting to accept every invitation so you don’t seem like the Grinch. But you need to balance this with looking after yourself.

Make bedtime “me time”. Turn off your screens, dim the lights, and take time for a relaxing and enjoyable bedtime routine.

Have an escape plan

Auntie Jean getting on your last nerve again…? It’s a good idea to have some pre-planned excuses to escape from events if they get too stressful.

Actually leaving a stressful situation, even for 10 minutes, will help clear your mind and relax you.

More family, less stuff

Christmas has become a huge corporate money generator, focusing on all the stuff we by for others, for ourselves. We need to remember what it is actually all about; enjoying family time and relaxation.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou