Christmas is just around the corner and along with carols and crackers it can also bring stress, grief, upset and overindulgence. It’s easy for us feel the pressure of putting on the perfect day, and for many people Christmas can trigger painful memories and be a very lonely time of year.
Even for those of us that adore the festive period - the build-up to the big day can be exhausting. From financial pressures, time spent shopping, managing relatives to simply trying not to burn the turkey it’s easy to lose sight of what keeps us healthy in mind and body in December.
So, before you finish (or start) curating the perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones, try giving yourself some gifts to help you not only survive the festive period – but thrive.
• Be Grateful
Keeping a gratitude journal or simply thinking about the things in your life that you are grateful for every day increases the happy chemicals in your brain. These positive thoughts produce dopamine and serotonin which can keep depression and stress at bay and help you make the most of this magical time of the year.
• Get Moving
Christmas is a great excuse to let your exercise routine slide as you simply don’t have enough hours in the day to exercise and get your Christmas chore list done. But exercise improves mood and concentration and keeps you healthy. So, if you don’t have time for the gym - get walking. Try buying your gifts in-store rather than online so you have to physically walk to get there. Yes the crowds might be hell, but you are getting your step count up and you have the added bonus of being unglued from your computer screen for a while.
• Don’t eat all the (mince) pies
Whilst it’s lovely to treat ourselves, living ‘La Vida Loca’ on the mince pie front and promising to get your act together in January isn’t that helpful. How much happier would you be if you weren’t tipping the scales on the 1st January and having to eat a lettuce leaf three times a day for the next month to get back into your jeans? A December of overindulgence won’t do any of us any favours. Think moderation.
• Talk about those not present
Christmas can bring up strong emotions, especially if we cannot be with those we feel closest to. Acknowledging and accepting that it is natural to miss people at this time of year and honouring and talking about them can ensure they are still involved, in some way – with the celebrations. It’s also a great time of year for forgiveness so if you’ve been stubborn and have been harbouring a grudge, let it go and reach out, you have nothing to lose but bad feelings.
• Give yourself Space (to tame!)
Forgive the plug but this really is important. Whether it’s treating yourself to a therapy with us or simply giving yourself some ‘me time’ by taking a long hot bath, or a solitary walk, taking time for yourself can help build up your energy reserves and nourish mind body and soul. Allow yourself to gather your thoughts, get some perspective and live in (and enjoy) the moment. Your patience and tolerance for the in-laws will be all the better for it.
Merry Christmas everyone and to quote from the legendary Jerry Springer: “Take care of yourself, and each other”.