If thinking about all the things you need to get done in December make you feel anxious, sit down and write a list of what exactly stresses you, then read my list of Christmas stress-busting tips:
1. Limit spending:
- Set a budget and start shopping now so that you aren’t grabbing last minute expensive gifts
- Are you buying lots of gifts for people you hardly know? Suggest a Secret Santa at work or in your extended family
- Shop online to avoid traffic and busy shopping centres
- You don’t need to spend big $ on kids, especially young ones. A baby doesn’t care about presents, a toddler doesn’t care whether their toy cost $5 or $50. The gift is for the child, not their parents
- Try a “funny gifts under $10 challenge” or a “everyone has to make the gifts themselves” rule. My daughter sewed a stuffed toy out of an old sheet for her Dad one year (I think she was in primary school) and it still sits on our bed!
2. Deal with stress as you go
- Avoid drinking alcohol to cope
- Take some time out, go for walks, get out in the sun and fresh air, book a massage or haircut
- If you are hosting the big day, suggest everyone bring their speciality Christmas dish
- Have some early nights, get quality sleep. (Metagenics Neurocalm Sleep is great for getting back into a good sleep routine)
3. Learn to say “NO”
- Saying no is not being selfish, it just means you are prioritising your busy schedule. Be selective
Healthy people will hear you say “No” and respect that. Healthy relationships have “yes’ and “no” in them
YOU decide if you attend a function, YOU decide how long you stay somewhere, YOU decide who to invite into your home
4. On the big day
- Be realistic about the big day, it’s never perfect! Someone gets drunk, someone breaks something, someone has a fight… expect that something will probably happen
- Play some uplifting music, light your favourite candle, do some meditation
- Delegate! You don’t need to do everything yourself, someone else can set the table and then you just check it. Someone else can clean the bathroom
- Remember your 4-7-8 breathing technique. In for a count of 4, hold for 7, out for 8. Leave the room and sit somewhere quiet for a few minutes if needed
- Remind your kids that it’s not all about getting presents, they may not get everything they wanted
- If you can’t be with a family member, arrange a video chat or a phone call
5. Have some fun this month!
- Decorate the tree with kids/grand kids
- Bake some cookies or cakes
- Watch a funny Christmas movie
- Catch up with a couple of friends for a coffee or a walk
- Play a prank on someone
- Visit your local Markets
- Don’t compare your Christmas to other people’s staged photos on Instagram. A lot of my clients love NeuroCalm this time of year. Pop in to the clinic for a chat to see if NeuroCalm is right for you.
Merry Christmas!
Liza