Christmas Stress Busters
Top Tips To Deal With Christmas Stress
Grab Some Me Time
When the craziness of doing stuff and getting stuff done is getting on top of you, take a half hour breather. “Me Time” is such a lovely expression, usually code for Mums of “I am about to lose it” So whether its just getting outside and sitting in the sunshine or taking a walk, mini breaks will help you keep your sanity.
The Zen Of Christmas
Christmas does not have to be a huge event. Maybe do a minimalist Christmas and just do the things you would like, and resist adding to your list with demands from others. Do you really have to have your home look like its out of Vogue shoot for Christmas Day? Perhaps not.
Balance doing things for other people with doing things for yourself
Balance is such a trendy word, but creating a balance between doing things for others, and carving out some time to do some nice things for yourself can reduce your stress levels.
Put on your rose coloured glasses and try to look for the best in those around you.
Okay, so at the shops in the midst of Christmas rush can test this. Someone snatches that last Transformer toy before you do that you have visited 6 shops to find? Let it slip on by. They are probably under just as much stress as you to find the perfect gift from Santa. So maybe take a breath and realise those around you maybe just as stressed as you.
Exercise Is Not A Dirty Word
Many Mums count picking clothes up off the floor as exercise, because, multitasking. But if you squeeze a little me time in (there is that magical phrase again) try to head out to the gym or visit the ocean. Here are some super easy ways to add it painlessly into your daily routine.
Try To Eat Healthy Foods, Well At Least Semi Healthy
Alcohol is not food group. Your body needs nourishment. Fill it with sugar and fat and not much else then your body will become under nourished and will lead to greater stress. Nutrition directly affects your mood, make sure you do your best to keep your body at optimal calm. Like to turbo boost your eating? Superfoods are the way to go.
Yin Yang Of Indulgence
If possible, balancing all the delicious pre Christmas cheer with some healthy foods, will help. Your holiday season will be much more enjoyable if its not seen through the haze of a hangover. If you are after a quick detox, there are some tips here on the easy ways to do one
Old Favourites To Reduce Stress
Meditation is a great way to have a psychological holiday and escape for a moment from the stress of the holiday season. Even ten minutes will make a big difference to your state of calm. Or try mindfulness, where instead of fighting against stress or negative thoughts, you instead just sit with them. Acknowledge they are there and just let them sit within you. Quick stress busters are here.
Sleep, Sweet Sleep
The new Mums are laughing at this one, sleep what’s that? It’s easy to cut down on sleep and try to fit everything in, but try to protect your full eight hours each night. Sleep is essential to physical and psychological well being. Try to make sure that during the stressful lead up to Christmas you get enough good quality, uninterrupted sleep.
Massage
No this is not a sales pitch, try to get a massage, any massage! Even a quick ten minute scalp massage from your partner will help. Massage has been shown to be one of the best ways to reduce the stress hormone. If your body is running on empty, schedule in some time to relax, switch off your brain, and relax your body. As your body relaxes so will your brain.
Stop And Smell The Roses
Once a day, consciously stop to savour something beautiful. It could be as easy as stopping to really take in the scent of a flower, or a glass of chardonnay, or the sound of silence in your home when everyone has left for the day.
Gratitude
Writing down each morning five things that you are grateful (even something as simple as “waking up this morning” has been shown to be very effective in increasing positive affect.
Asking for help
Struggling to get everything done? Feeling overwhelmed? Call on those near you to help you out. Those people with good social networks often are less stressed and happier than those without. Use them this holiday season if you are feeling that things are getting on top of you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or outsource things that you can get others to do so you can enjoy the holiday season.
