5 Ways To Reduce Stress During The Holidays

Christmas and New Year are meant to be the time to kick back and relax, work is finished (for some) and we get to spend time with our families and pig out on Quality Street and turkey. However the holiday period can actually be one of the most stressful times, let me know if any of these apply; worrying about money, not enough time, forgetting the great aunty Pat in the present run, trying to please everyone with cooking and TV choices? The list can go on and for some it can become a little too much.

Here is some advice to help combat stress this holiday season, as it should be a time to enjoy with others and most importantly for ourselves.

Take A Time Out

I’m going to start with one of the most important things I think, taking time out for yourself. In the rush up to Christmas, you can be so stressed. Busy buying presents, getting the Christmas tree up, ordering all the mince pies, that you haven’t had a chance to stop. Take a time out, run a bath, indulge in a bath oil, I’m loving this rose bath oil from Lola’s Apothecary and have a little pamper time. Pop on a candle and make yourself a tea, such as the Lola’s Apothecary rainbows and whirlwinds tea, sounds good doesn’t it? The tea is an energising green tea to boost mental clarity.

Modern Family

Christmas for most is about spending time with family, but this can get overwhelming and sometimes it might not actually be the most enjoyable. Emotions can run high and you can get yourself in a right tizzy. Don’t take family members negative comments to heart, sometimes they don’t realise what they are saying and if you don’t get on with your boyfriends parents, then sometimes you might have to grin and bear it I’m afraid. The best thing to think about is this is only one day and really they are happy to see you even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes.

Money

Money causes one of the biggest stresses whether it is the holiday season or throughout the year. We all worry we have spent too much at Christmas and it can be hard. You want to buy everyone all the gifts and sometimes the budget does go out the window. I’m a strong believer in giving and that what you put out will come back to you. Now I’m not saying go out and spend all your money in your bank account but try not to worry too much if you have overspent. Think positively of ways to get money back in the new year, the perfect time to do a massive clear out and get listing on eBay. You’ll have the money back in no time.

Exercise

This might be the last thing you feel like doing after all the Christmas dinners, chocolates and champagne, but exercise can really make you feel good and get rid of all that built up tension and stress going on in your body and mentally. Physical activity stimulates the brain and the endorphins which can trigger a positive feeling in the body to help boost your mood. So instead of hitting the Boxing Day sales, shop online then go for a run or a swim.

Just Say No

If you are feeling massively overwhelmed by party invites or relatives asking to come and visit, then sometimes you can just say no. It really is the best feeling to just do whats best for you. If you don’t want your husbands mother and family to come over to your house whilst you cook and entertain them and in actual fact you would quite like to see your own family, then don’t feel guilty. Choose what’s best for you and the stress will be lifted. If you simply can’t say no, then make lists, it helps get rid of the mental block.

One Last Thing

If you are spending Christmas alone this year, please don’t get stressed about not being with anyone. Enjoy the quiet, indulge in yourself, give yourself a facial – I am loving Aveda’s Tulasara Radiant Oleation Facial Oil and facial brush to awaken the skin and leave it feeling glowing and truly pampered. Eat chocolate, drink the bubbles and remember it’s just another day.