My Top Tips on how to beat Christmas Anxiety and Stress
My Top Tips on how to beat Christmas Anxiety and Stress
December, December, December! Love it or hate it, it’s certainly a very busy, often stressful month for most of us.
I happen to love December as it’s my birthday month and I love all the traditions we have as a family surrounding Christmas. This doesn’t mean that my mental health hasn’t suffered in the past during the festival period.
The long, dark days, the endless lists and the feeling of wanting everything to be perfect is enough to leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.Also the expectation of going to Christmas Parties, looking good, drinking alcohol and eating too much can also leave you in a spin.
Over the years I have made lots of mistakes health wise in December and I have paid the price for them in my physical and mental health. If you want to start January 2020 feeling your best, join me in following these few top tips to health and happiness in December.
◦ Plan ahead. I am the queen of lists. I use the notes section in my iPhone and pretty much put everything in the that needs doing. I have great satisfaction ticking them off as I complete them.
◦ Don’t be afraid to say NO. I have made this mistake time and time again. Pushing myself to do things or attend events that I don’t really want to go to. It’s ok to say no if it’s in your best interests!
◦ Keep Moving. Another mistake I have made. As I’m so active during term time, I’ve often tried to rest during the holidays. BIG mistake for my mental health. This December I will be continuing with my morning walks and Pilates every other day. Simple and easy but so beneficial.
◦ Reduce alcohol intake. This is a HUGE one for me. Drinking alcohol increases anxiety FACT! It’s so easy to get carried away in December. Stay in control, drive where you can, make sure you have plenty of days off and limit the amount you drink.
◦ Read. Get stuck into a good book, snuggle up in front of the Christmas tree and lose yourself in the words.
◦ Listen to a podcast. I’m a little late to the world of podcasts but now I’m hooked. I find listening to a good podcast more relaxing than listening to music. It’s because I really have to concentrate and listen otherwise I miss bits. Another way to be mindful and in the moment.
◦ Meditate. My favourite app at the moment is the Calm App. Set aside 20 minutes a day and follow one of the guided meditations. It’s really that easy to start learning how to meditate.
◦ Choose foods that are going to nourish you. By this I mean be mindful what you eat. Think about the nutritious content of what passes your mouth. Nourish your body and mind. Eat the rainbow and by this I don’t mean a packet of skittles!
◦ HAVE FUN! Play some music, dance, be silly, play some board games, get out in the fresh air, watch a funny film, meet up with friends, family. Do anything that is going to make you smile. At least once a day.
◦ SLEEP I have grown to love my bed. Get an early night once in a while, allow yourself a lie in if you can sometimes and try to create good sleep habits. My trick is to turn my phone to aeroplane mode an hour or two before bed and I use a lavender diffuser.
◦ Take help if it’s offered. We can all be guilty of this and try to do it all ourselves. This was a bad trait of mine. Share the load if you can. Let go. I know my amazing mother in law will be bringing many of the dishes over Christmas Eve to help share the load.
◦ BE GENTLE ON YOURSELF! Allow yourself the odd treat, if things aren’t perfect let it go. Embrace your emotions and feelings good and bad. And if all else fails put it in the ‘fuck it bucket’ and move on.
Just remember you are not alone. If you are really struggling reach out to a friend, family or even your GP.
Have a wonderful, healthy Christmas and I can’t wait to see you all in January 2020.
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