December is here!!! Which means Christmas is fast approaching!
I LOVE Christmas! The lights, the get-togethers, the adverts, everything! I even chose to have a Christmas wedding! So this month is always one of celebration for me.
However, I understand that not everyone is such a big fan of the festive season and it can very easily spiral into a whole lot of stress. Here are some tips for keeping your Christmas merry....
- Making a list, checking it twice - You're bound to have hundreds of thoughts racing through your mind this month - what to buy for who, how much food to have for Christmas day, Christmas parties etc etc etc. Now is the perfect time to carry around a gorgeous little notebook or diary (or even your mobile - the notes app on my iPhone is filled!) Every time you have a thought get it written down. Once it 's on paper (or smartphone), you can be safe in the knowledge you won't forget it and you can allow it to leave your busy mind. Keeping your notebook by the side of your bed will help those sleepless nights when you wake up filled with thoughts of things you had forgotten.
- It's ok to say NO - At this time of year you may have received several invitations to Christmas parties, carol concerts, or group get-togethers. Whilst you may not want to let anyone down, feeling obliged to attend everything can be too overwhelming. It's ok to say no! Thank them for their invitation and explain that you already have commitments on that date (unwinding in a bubble bath is most definitely a commitment!)
- R.E.L.A.X - The best way to keep our stress levels under control during the festive season is through plenty of relaxation and tlc. Make sure you schedule time each week for a complete switch off. Unplug the phone, run a bath and make yourself a mug of chai tea. Meditation is ideal for learning to switch off those racing thoughts. Or get in touch with me for a nurturing hour of reflexology, reiki or indian head massage. Holistic therapies are perfect for keeping our energy levels up and stress levels down.
- Delegate - Christmas isn't just your responsibility. It's a time when friends and family should all pull together. Delegation doesn't just have to be amongst family or friends either - there are so many services these days that can make life that little bit easier - online shopping can be a godsend!
- Reflection- This is the perfect time to take a step back and look at what you have achieved over the previous 12 months. Did you set goals at the start of 2011? Have you met those goals? Even if you don't feel 2011 has been a good year for you - decide what it is you want to let go of? What bad habits or emotions or experiences do you want to leave behind with 2011? Celebrate your successes and give yourself recogntion where it's due. Then look forward to the approaching fresh start of 2012. (More on that later in the month....)
I wish you all a very chilled out and merry Christmas!
I'm going to finish this post with a quote from my favourite Christmas film - Elf - if you're looking to bring out the big kid in you this Christmas, then this is the one to watch!
