How to have a Stress Free Christmas
I am sure all of us would love to have a stress free Christmas. I am also sure that many of you will say it can’t be done. Certainly it can be tricky negotiating all the complex social interactions between family, friends and relations. However with a certain amount of planning and thinking outside the box it is possible to minimise stress as much as possible.
So here are my top tips on how to have a stress free Christmas:
- Plan ahead. I really can’t emphasise this enough. Set aside specific days/times for shoping, baking visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and make a shopping list
- Delegate. This is really crucial too. Again a list of jobs and who can do what is a great idea. Then tell everyone what they are doing and when.
- Christmas cards – if you are sending Christmas cards little and often is a great idea. You don’t have to do them all at once. Think small
- Presents – likewise with presents – think small – several creative stocking fillers instead of one big (costly) gift give you a chance to buy more personal gifts.
- Stick to a budget – There are so many amazing things in the shop and on line to buy. However decide on how much you can realistically afford to spend on Christmas, both presents and food. You can’t buy happiness with expensive presents and exotic food. Especially if it leaves you feeling stressed and anxious about money.
- Make time for yourself. Play some calming music, have a relaxing bath with scented candles or aromatherapy oil. Anything that helps you unwind. Why not book yourself a relaxing shiatsu massage?
- Learn to say no. Christmas can become one long social whirl. Do the things that are important to you.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence leads to feeling guilty. So to have a stress free Christmas
- Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Do some regular physical activity every day.
- Christmas Day – before the big day arrives agree a plan with everyone to make sure you all enjoy the day. Make sure the whole family know rough timings of what is happening throughout the day so there are no arguments in the morning if people want to do different things.
- Above all have Fun! Remember it’s your Christmas too so try to relax and have fun, laugh and be merry.
