A Worrier’s Guide to Not Letting the Holidays Get Too Much

As much as I love Christmas, and I really love Christmas, it can be a stressful time. There’s a lot to juggle and the more you care about getting it just so the more stressful it is. These are a couple of things I will be doing this festive season to try and stay calm and actually enjoy the holidays, and would recommend you have a go at too.

 

DECIDE NOT TO GIVE A FUCK

I recently read Sarah Knight’s The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck* , and I genuinely do think it might have changed my life a little bit. The basic principle of the book, without giving too much away, is that you have a finite number of things you can care about and you need to decide what you can and can’t afford to put effort into. Nowhere does this apply more than at Christmas – you can’t put effort into finding the perfect gifts, the perfect tree, the perfect dinner, the perfect family relationships, the perfect hygge, the perfect red lip without completely burning out. Write a list of all, yes ALL, of the things you’re caring about this festive season and just cross a couple off – I promise you’ll feel so much better.

*Highly recommended as a gift for friends, family and loved ones, or even just yourself!

 

PLAN

Planning is normally my answer to everything, but I really think it makes a difference when it comes to Christmas. Knowing what you need to do and when can save you a lot of last minute panic. In particular, for me, planning gifts is absolutely essential if I don’t know what I’m getting when I go out to the shops (yes I do my Christmas shopping in person) it takes me a lot longer and often ends in an anxiety inducing time trapped in overstuffed stores peopled with a sea of shoppers at their worst.

 

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE SOME DOWN TIME

There’s a lot to do at Christmas, especially if you’re hosting, but running around like a headless chicken 24/7 isn’t going to do anyone any good. Make sure you schedule in some down time doing something that you know relaxes you, you will feel better and you’ll be able to do all of the things you want to do with even more energy and festive spirit.

 

GET OUTSIDE

It’s really easy to stay cooped up inside when it gets cold and grey outside. But getting outside and going for a walk is honestly worth braving getting a little chilly. I know it’s a cliché but going for a walk in the fresh air can really clear your mind, and getting a break from being in the same four walls can give you a new perspective (or at least some distance from) whatever problems you’re having within them.

 

TRY OUT SOME FRANKINCENSE

Those wise men knew what was going on Frankincense is actually really great for relieving the stress and anxiety of the Christmas period. Frankincense essential oil is really great for calming and focusing the mind, and is often used as an aid to meditation. It can even help slow your heart rate to help reduce any panic. Put a few drop in a bath, on your pulse points, in an oil burner or just spray around the room and hopefully feel the benefits.

Natalie