- Make a list, check it twice.
Write down everything you need to do and buy, even the tiniest tasks, and knock them off the list one at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a look at your list and acknowledge all the tasks you’ve already ticked off. We can guarantee you’re making progress! - Replace your personal stressors with the things that make you feel good.
What are your top stressors during the silly season? Write them down now. For some these may be the relentless baking and cooking, whilst for others, it’s the organisation of events or the present planning. Now write down ways you can minimise these top stressors – perhaps release the expectations to have everything home-baked or delegate some of the present shopping.
Now write down all the things that make you hum inside, smile ear to ear or just feel peaceful or playful. Get your diary out and replace your stressors with things that make you feel good instead. - Keep on moving.
We know it’s difficult to find time in the Christmas craze to stick to the regular exercise routine. However, wherever you can, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, take the time to do a quick yoga sequence, dance around the house to some fun Christmas music, or go for a brisk walk around the block. It really is amazing the impact even a short burst of exercise can have on our stress levels! If you need a little motivation, download our free yoga flow class from The Sanctuary below. It’s specifically designed to help you relax and release all that stress. - Breathe.
Try and give yourself 5 minutes of stillness each day to connect with yourself. Find a quiet place (even if it means just sneaking off to the bathroom child-free)! and take some deep, conscious breaths in and out. Repeat until you’ve regained your centre and feeling more calm and in control. Finish up by thinking about what you’re grateful for, and everything you love about this time of year. - Accept some hassle.
Don’t expect the holiday period to be hassle-free, or you will probably wind up disappointed. Instead, go in accepting that there probably will be a few hiccups along the way, but remember, this too shall pass! - Release those expectations!
When it comes down to it, the silly season is jam-packed with expectations. Some set by others, and many set by ourselves. If you’re putting yourself under heaps of pressure, take a moment to ask yourself why a certain thing MUST be a certain way… will Christmas really be a flop if we don’t achieve everything on the list?- There are opportunities to feel the true wonder and joy of this special time all around us, but often we’re too wrapped up (pun intended!) in our to-do list to enjoy it.
- Life is about feeling good. It’s good to feel good!
- Why not try letting go of the excess crap this year and give yourself some much-deserved space to feel those good festive vibes instead.
- Remember what it’s really all about…
If your Christmas crafting is all glue and fingers, the meat is overcooked and the present hunting hasn’t gone to plan… Take a deep breath and remember the real joy of Christmas: being present with your family. The truth is, when it comes to the big day, your family won’t remember what the food was like or if the house was spotless – it’s the time spent together that counts.
Above all else, create a Christmas that’s right for you and your family during this season of your life. Set the intention to stress less, embrace the imperfections and remember, you’ve got this!
Take 15 with us to destress…
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By Sally Wood and La Muxlow of The Mindful Mum. The Mindful Mum offers a wealth of online classes exclusively tailored to the needs of mothers. Choose from yoga, Pilates, meditation, fitness, massage,nutrition, relationship and life coaching, mindful parenting and much more. Our aim is to help mums squeeze self-care into the precious spare moments they cherish so much. It was created specifically for mothers because we wholeheartedly believe that when they nurture their health and happiness – everyone benefits.
