The holidays can be one of the most fun and exciting times of the year – but they can also be one of the most stressful. With crowed shopping centres, booked out calendars, pressured family functions and high expectations, it is very easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. Take some time to relax this season and follow these tips to have a stress-free Christmas.
- Work out your Priorities
Stay calm during the Christmas rush by writing out what you need to do this season and identify which things are the most important. Prioritise the events you find most significant such as your children’s Christmas concert and reconsider plans which are less important such as attending every Christmas gathering. Think before you commit yourself to other people’s expectations.
- Get Back to Nature
Sometimes all it takes it to unplug from your emails, log out of Facebook and get outdoors to keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed at Christmas. Whether that’s going for a run outside or spending time at your favourite beach to de-stress, detaching yourself from technology is a great way to reset your mind.
- Look after your Relationships
Sometimes we can accidentally spend less time than we want to with our loved ones at Christmas as we get caught up in planning and preparing for the season. Don’t forget to take a break from your busy schedule to spend time with your family; after all, one of the nicest things about Christmas is spending time with your family and close friends.
- Stay Healthy
Eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising has a large effect on our health. If you notice you are feeling stressed it may be because you are forgetting to look after yourself and your wellbeing. Taking some time out to relax and finding a spare hour to work out will definitely help you keep your stress levels in check.
- Don’t do it all alone
If you focus too hard on creating the perfect Christmas for you and your family you can set yourself up for failure or put unrealistic expectations on yourself. Try involving your family in your Christmas plans and responsibilities rather than trying to complete everything all by yourself. Your to-do list will instantly shrink, and it’s a great way to get your family into the Christmas spirit.
What do you do to stay stress-free at Christmas? Let us know on our Facebook page!