A Calmer Christmas

The lead-up to Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, shopping, planning, and celebrations. While it’s an exciting time for kids, being the parent who is often reminded of the countdown and just how few days they have left to get through the never-ending list, can be overwhelming and stressful. Finding ways to stay calm and maintain a balanced lifestyle is crucial to enjoy both the traditions of this special time of year and your family. Here are some tips for remaining calm and healthy as you navigate the bustling days before Christmas.

Prioritise Self-Care

In the midst of shopping for gifts, decorating, and preparing meals, it’s easy to neglect self-care. However, taking time for yourself is essential for mental and physical health. Incorporate short breaks into your day to recharge and reduce stress. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or a brisk walk can make a significant difference, or catch up with a friend if you have a little more time.

Mindful Eating

Holiday feasts are a common part of Christmas, but overindulgence can lead to feelings of guilt and discomfort, and sometimes weight gain. Practice mindful eating by savoring your food, eating slowly, and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. This can help you enjoy a treat without overdoing it. If you do have a massive dinner, skip breakfast and wait until you feel hungry before eating again.

Stay Active

Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress. Even during this busy time, make time for physical activity. It can be as simple as a quick home workout, a walk in the evening, or dancing to your favourite music. Exercise not only relieves stress but also boosts mood and energy levels.

Adequate Sleep

Sleep is often sacrificed during the holidays due to late-night parties and additional responsibilities. However, quality sleep is vital for health and managing stress. Prioritise your sleep, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine including writing a ‘to do’ list so that you don’t wake with it during the night.

Realistic Expectations

It’s easy to get caught up in the picture-perfect holiday vision depicted in social media. However, it’s so important to remember what Christmas is about, so set realistic expectations for yourself and your celebrations, let others help even if they don’t quite do things the same way you might. Embrace imperfections and focus on the joy of spending time with loved ones.

Practice Gratitude

Christmas is an excellent time to reflect on what you’re grateful for, and what you really value in your life. Regularly acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can boost your mental well-being and help you maintain a positive perspective, even when things get busy.

In conclusion, finding balance and maintaining calm during the lead-up to Christmas is really important for your health and well-being. Prioritising self-care, mindful eating, exercise, sleep, and realistic expectations will go a long way in reducing stress and helping you enjoy Christmas and the lead up to it. If you make choices that support your physical and mental health, it may mean a happier and healthier Christmas for your whole family. At Whole Naturopathy we can treat a nervous system imbalance, reduce your stress, and help to increase your energy levels if you’re needing some extra support at this time of year.