EXCLUSIVE: 12 ways to stay calm and fight the festive FRENZY
THE MOST wonderful time of the year can also mean total mayhem, but your stress levels don’t have to soar higher than Santa’s sleigh.
The silly season often sees our stress levels soar higher than santa's sleigh
Gifts for the in-laws, cards for the teachers, an outfit for the work Christmas party and enough food and drink to feed 30 on the big day.
Indeed, the most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest for most of us.
Between battling the bustling crowds, keeping on top of endless to-do lists and constantly dipping-into bank accounts - it’s easy to forget about festive cheer.
But that doesn’t have to be the case, according to Wellbeing Expert and Life Coach Nina Samuel-Camps.
The most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest for many of us
Nina said: “Stress levels tend to soar during the silly season,
“But Christmas provides a brilliant opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy what’s really important in life, so we should try to just stop and appreciate it.”
Below are Nina’s 12 tips to fight the festive frenzy and enjoy the jovial season.
1. Make lists
It’s the oldest trick in the book, and for good reason. Whether it’s presents, your schedule, food, booze or clothes - write it down to get it out of your head and tick it off as you go. Who doesn’t love feeling accomplished?
2. Stock up
Buy a few extra presents, cards and bottles just in case you get caught short. They certainly won’t go to waste.
Wellness expert Nina said: "Christmas provides a brilliant opportunity for time with loved ones"
6. Involve the family
Discuss your plans for Christmas Day and Boxing Day with others, including any children who will be there, so that you can listen to their ideas and wishes for the day. Then you can come up with a celebration which includes things that please everyone.
7. Stay hydrated
Your days are going to be busy, so make sure you start each one with a glass of water. It’s helpful to keep a bottle on you, as it reminds you to keep drinking. We all know there’ll be plenty of boozing with the festive gatherings, so keep you water consumption up!
8. Stretch it out
Each morning, when you wake up - get up and stretch for five minutes. Touch your toes, stretch your hands up in the air, stretch to the left and right - it'll invigorate your body immediately.
It's important to stay hydrated, especially when alcohol consumption is likely to soar
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9. Be generous with yourself, too
If you are cooking lunch at home, delegate tasks. You don't need to do everything yourself.
10. Practice mindfulness
Rather than just buying presents, try to be present in the moment. If the crowds become too much, concentrate on your breathing for one minute, watching it entering and leaving your nostrils.
11. Meditate
It may be hard for some, but there are some great mindfulness apps out there for beginners so download one and plug in each morning. Alternatively set your timer to 3mins on your smartphone each morning and sit with your spine straight (either on a chair of on the floor with your legs crossed) and watch every in-halation and exhalation, noticing your chest rising and falling. You'll feel completely centred and calm, ready to face your day.
12. Swallow your pride
If you've fallen out with any family members in the year and you're seeing them at Christmas - give them a call, tell them you're looking forward to seeing them and arrange to meet up before so you can resolve any issues. That way, you can relax and enjoy your day.