Patience can be severely tested at this time of year. Follow our expert tips to help you avoid rows, keep it calm and make the most of holidays
Let’s face it, with extra family visits, gift shopping, office parties and cooking crammed into a short space of time, things can get stressful over the festive period. Try our top tips to help you keep calm and carry on this Christmas…
1) Work out your Christmas Countdown
‘Planning is key to minimizing Christmas stress,’ says holistic therapist Rima Shah from calmandclear.co.uk. ‘Making a list or even a timetable is a really useful way to see what needs to be done, and when by, so that you feel on top of everything and in control.’
2) Make a budget, and stick to it
‘Overspending will catch up with you both emotionally and financially, creating more stress, so write a budget and stick to it,’ says psychotherapist Vivien Sabel.
3) Delegate
‘If you have friends and family who are willing and able to help, let them,’ says Rima Shah. ‘Don't try juggling too much by yourself otherwise the balls will all end up on the ground.’
4) Treat yourself
‘It’s important with so much going on around you that you make time for yourself,’ says parenting coach Sue Atkins. ‘Keep your energy levels up by eating properly and getting enough rest, and try to remain positive – successful parents will look after themselves as well as their kids.’
5) Keep it simple
Going to the office party? Don’t worry about changing – just accessorise with some bling, and make sure you’re well groomed. ‘Shape and paint your nails with a glossy on trend colour – this instantly glamorizes your look,’ says beauty guru Tina Richards.
6) Breathe
If you feel everything is starting to get on top of you, press your own internal pause button, says Sue Atkins. ‘Take three deep slow breaths in and out and feel yourself getting grounded and centred.’
7) Shop online
Not everyone enjoys battling their way through the crowds on the high street at this time of year. Order your grocery shopping and gifts from www.tesco.com, relax and wait for your delivery.
8) Calm them down
‘Organise group and family activities to keep your children as active as possible, such as making Christmas cards, decorations or wrapping presents,’ says Sue Atkins.
9) Sleep well
‘It may be Christmas, but go easy on the alcohol, because it will interfere with your sleep patterns, which will make you feel more stressed-out,’ says the Sleep Guru. ‘Too much booze will disrupt your REM sleep – essential for concentration and wellbeing.’
10) Do your prep
The key to stress-free Christmas cooking is preparation, says foodie blogger Becky Wiggins from www.englishmum.com. ‘If you're worried about cooking a whole turkey, try a crown. They're faster to cook and much easier to carve. Get as much as you can prepped before the big day. Parboil potatoes, then cool and open freeze. Bag them up and keep in the freezer ready to pop straight into hot fat. All the veg can be prepared in advance and kept in plastic bags in the fridge ready to go.’
11) Figure it out
Write down your cooking timings and work backwards (if we’re eating at 3pm, turkey needs to go in at this time, potatoes this time, and so on). That way you don’t have to hover in the kitchen and can relax with your family and friends.
12) Let go of your inner perfectionist
Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to be Martha Stewart-perfect. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make everything from the decorations to the festive food as gorgeous as you possibly can, but only if you’re enjoying it, too. So give yourself a break, have fun, eat drink and be merry.
Do you have any top stress-busting tips for the festive period? Share them below…
Words: Liz Jarvis
