Christmas is a time when we find ourselves coming back together with friends and family, enjoying a winter break, and having some much needed down time. However, with the all the fun can some pressure.
Christmas time can also bring with it increased stress and anxiety, and it’s important to make sure you are still take the time for yourself, so this festive season don’t forget about self care. After all, how can we look after those around us when we don’t take care of ourselves.
So here are my top tips for some a festive relax
Mindfulness this Christmas
Mindfulness means making the most of being in the present, and what better time than over the festive break? Whether your spending time with friends or family take a moment to really be present and think about all the things going on around you. For example, why make some festive biscuits or cocktails! Think about the ingredients, the smells, what memories do you associate with them? How do they taste? Taking more time to think about these things helps us be more present in that moment.
Write it down
So much happens at Christmas, we see our friends and relatives, and have a great time. So why not take a moment to record your day and how you feel? What happened that you were grateful for, what happened that made you laugh? Note down three positives from that day or three things that you like to do tomorrow. Getting your thoughts on to paper can help clear your mind and put things into perspective.
Sleep
Give your body and mind a chance to reset this Christmas, make time to rest and unwind. Yoga before bedtime or a lovely herbal tea can help you relax and unwind from the stresses of the day, and a lavender spray or candle in the bedroom can help you doze off into a peaceful slumber.
Give something back
Christmas is a time that we associate with giving and with friends and family. However, not everyone feels this way. Christmas can be a hard time for many reasons, so why not do something to make it that little bit easier for someone else? Whether donating some food to a local charity, or giving up your time think about how you can pay it forward.
Enjoy
Whatever you do this Christmas, take the time to laugh and enjoy yourself!
As this is the last blog of 2019 all that is left to say... Thank you for joining me on this fantastic journey through 2019, I hope you’ve had a wonderful year and I hope 2020 brings you everything that you could wish for!
See you in the New Year.
Sheena