It's time to take the pressure off this Christmas

• Consider saying no to things that don't bring you joy.

  The festive season revolves around tradition, which means we tend to celebrate in the same ways year after year.

   

  Despite the pressure of tradition, they are negotiable and often need to adjust with our needs and circumstances. This year, practice giving up some of the things that no longer bring you joy.

   

  A simple 'no thank you' is enough, and you don't necessarily need to explain your reasons or make excuses. Honouring what feels right to you at this time will result less anxiety and resentment.

   

  

• Practice compromising. 

  Practise offering alternatives if you don’t feel comfortable with an outright no. For example, “No, we can’t come over at breakfast to open presents this year, but you can come here after lunch with your gifts and we can open them together then”. 

   

  Other ways to say no: 

  “Thanks for thinking of me but that’s not really my scene. Have a great time”. 

  “That sounds great, but I have a few things on that weekend so won’t be able to make it this time”. 

   

  Offer an alternative:

  “I don’t really feel comfortable going to the Pantomime this year but how about we meet outdoors and grab a hot chocolate instead”

  “Let me get back to you”.

   

  This gives you time to think abut whether its something you actually want to do rather than just saying yes immediately.  

• Think about why you're overcommitting. 

  The festive period is particularly time-demanding, with many of us committing to hours of shopping, gift wrapping cooking, entertaining, religious services, volunteering and school concerts. 

   

  It's important to recognise that you can't do them all, and that over-committing may be damaging for your physical and emotional health. When you're saying 'yes' to one thing, it is usually at the sacrifice of another (sleep, exercise, work, cooking) and this can mount up.

   

  Finding what feels 'too much' for you and practice saying 'no thank you' when you feel overstretched.

   

  Finally, forget about trying to create the perfect Christmas. We set ourselves high expectations such as a perfectly decorated home, matching pyjamas for Instagram or Elf on the Shelf antics. Trying to live up to such high expectations can leave us tired, irritable and resentful. This year, try to be more flexible, look for the true meaning of Christmas and accept what the season brings your way.

• Be mindful of spending. 

  Consumer culture certainly encourages us to spend, spend, spend without considering our bank accounts. Try not to make gifts and expensive purchases the focus of Christmas.

   

  To avoid overspending, you might create a budget, adapt Secret Santa for work colleagues or friendship groups rather than buy individual presents, ask people to bring a dish or bottle to family gatherings, check out the local charity shop or boot sale, simply reduce the number of gifts you buy or choose to give homemade gifts instead. 

  

   

 Your wellbeing

• Exercise and movement

  Christmas is, for many, a time of excessive eating and drinking and exercise can be easily overlooked. Diets and gym memberships are particularly popular in January! 

   

  Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and helps produce endorphins to improve mood. Being outside over Christmas is a good idea; walks with family are a good way of keeping you active over the holidays.

   

  

• Yoga and meditation 

  Yoga is the perfect mix of exercise and relaxation and can be done pretty much anywhere! 

   

  Meditation when practised regularly can help achieve a balanced state of mind, which in turn will help us to resist the stress that the Christmas season can bring.
  
  Make time for a 5-minute breather. If you find you’re struggling with stress and anxiety and are pushed for time take yourself somewhere quiet for 5 minutes. Slow down your breathing, be aware of how your body feels, notice where you can feel the stress in your body, soften and then follow the breath. 
  
  Our very own Sue Williams is kicking off today’s stress releasing activities with a yoga class at 10:30. Please click here to book if you haven’t yet booked and would like to join; 

  

   

• Food and drink 

  Christmas is about enjoying yourself and food and alcohol is one of those sources of enjoyment. 
  
  It is easy to forget about the calories in alcohol and Christmas is the time of year where consumption goes up. 
  
  Also, it’s important to remember the dangers of consuming too much alcohol, especially over a short period of time. Pace yourself by alternating any alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks and avoid drinking in rounds, which may make you drink more and faster than you intended.A good idea is to eat before you go out so that you are less tempted to eat when you are out. 
  
  Never miss meals either, because you will most likely eat more later on in the day as your blood sugar falls. You are also more likely to eat less nutritious food. Restricting yourself from certain foods will only make you eat more. Definitely allow yourself to enjoy the treats that you really love, but in moderation.

   

  

• Takeaways 

   • Moderation: despite Christmas being the season to be jolly, overconsumption of food and alcohol is not healthy. Drink driving is a real danger and is illegal. If you can't (or don't want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.
  
  • Rest: Try and make time for rest and recuperation daily, and plan for as many early nights as you can. This is easier said than done but it’s very important. Yoga and meditation can really help you focus. 
  
  • Exercise – Exercise or daily movement can help you gain the fitness and stamina to make it through Christmas demands. It can also take your mind off any stress leading up to the season.