Have a stress free festive season
As the song goes It’s the most wonderful time of the year, EXCEPT when it’s not and you get overwhelmed with everything! This year festive celebrations are likely to be different for most people presenting an opportunity to introduce new ways of doing things to have a stress free season. Planning is going to be your self care activity this week.
Reflect and throw perfectionism to the wind
This exercise can be done alone or brainstormed with the family. Consider: what do you want to keep doing; stop doing; keep but tweak over the festive season. Are there traditions that no longer work for your family or that you all just don’t like? Do you want start something new?
It’s a good idea to do this activity in categories such as Food, Gifts, Decorating, Activities / Entertainment, Socialising and Self care.
Keep in mind you don’t need to strive for perfection which causes stress. Think instead of short cuts to make things easier. Be realistic about what can actually be done in time and budget. Remember you only want to do things that spark joy.
List your tasks and create your schedule
Now you’ve decided what you want to do in each category make a list of the tasks and put them in a schedule so you know what you are going do and on what days. This will prevent you worrying about forgetting things.
If doing this task with others, try to share out tasks. Ask who wants to do what and make sure they put it in their own diary.
Learn to say No so you can say Yes
Prioritise the things that everyone thinks are important. Say No assertively to other things so you have time for the most important things. For example, “I appreciate you asking me to do X. I am at my full capacity now so I won’t be able to do X on this occasion. I’ll let you know if my schedule frees up.”
Maintain a self care regime
It’s important to maintain (or start) a self care regime during this busy period so you stay healthy enough to enjoy celebrations and family time. I have given lots of tips throughout the year. Have a read back through them or here are the key things to remember to do:
Eat healthy in between treats – go ahead and have a treat and make sure you have healthy meals in between.
Have your chocolate and eat it too – that is, a little piece of dark chocolate will provide you with a dose of antioxidants and other health benefits. Read more in my blog here
Drink enough water – this is key for optimal health and especially when in heated rooms and drinking festive drinks. Read more in my blog here
Breathe – stopping throughout the day to just simply focus on breathing signals your parasympathetic nervous system to calm your body down. There are a few different techniques to try. Find instructions here
Keep moving – do some form of movement daily: a walk; dance whist the kettle is boiling; or a sport. This allows better blood flow to improve the lymphatic system, which in turn is important for immunity.
Sleep well – a good night’s sleep helps you be more resilient to all the little things that cause you stress. See our tips from my Sleep article here
Burn some essential oils – as we are all inside a lot more, burning some essential oils can be beneficial. For an energy boost try citrus oils like orange, lemon, grapefruit and the mints such as peppermint and spearmint. For calming down try chamomile, rose, lavender and lemon balm. For sleep try valerian and sandalwood. For good communication try bergamot. Contact me to discuss your own unique blend.
Have some flower essences on hand – have a look at our Find Your Essence page to determine the best ones for you here
Drink calming herbal teas – make time for short tea breaks and sip mindfully. Try lemon balm, chamomile, rose and lavender during the day and valerian and passionflower in the evening or contact me to discuss your needs.
Happy planning and please share your tips and strategies in the comments.
