25 ways to stress less this Christmas

With the festive countdown now officially under way, Hannah Britt reveals our exclusive wellbeing advent calendar that will help you relax and unwind in just five minutes a day

For many people, December is the busiest time of the year. From social occasions and shopping, to family visits and cooking, there are many demands on our time – and this can lead to festive stress.

Indeed a study by footwear retailer Deichmann has found that half of UK adults feel the build-up to Christmas is the most taxing time of year.

But help is at hand. This December, we’re encouraging you to take five minutes each day, starting today, just for you. Our experts have put together a wellbeing advent calendar with mood-boosting tips and tricks to try each day in the run-up to Christmas.

1st: Have a rest

Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight says: “A short rest can boost wellbeing during periods of increased activity and stress. So take five and lie on your bed. Ensure the room stays dimly lit to prevent your body thinking it’s bedtime.”

2nd: Get outside

Get outside while the sun is out, says TV GP Dr Zoe Williams (weareundefeatable.co.uk). “Sunlight and fresh air are beneficial for mood. Outdoor movement can be an everyday task such as carrying bags, walking the dog or gardening.”

3rd: Just breathe

“Five minutes of slow breathing instantly takes the edge off our day as it works like a remote control for the nervous system. We activate the body’s recovery and relaxation response, making it easier to unwind,” says Ann-Sophie Van Camp (moonbird.life).

4th: Light up

As the days get shorter we miss the early morning sunshine. A daylight simulation clock creates a more natural wake-up environment to eliminate that groggy feeling. Try Groov-e Light Curve, £24.99, Amazon.

5th: Get creative

Mental-health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) has launched paint-it-yourself Mindful Wallpaper, £75 (lick.com/uk). Alternatively, try an adult colouring book for mindful drawing.

6th: Wear green

Dress in green, says Tash Bradley, colour psychologist. “Green has a calming effect. This is because it’s a colour that our eyes don’t need to adjust to.”

7th: Cosy socks

“Small pleasures remind us of pleasant memories, and act as a mental comfort blanket. Cosy socks are particularly soothing,” says Dr Meg Arroll, Healthspan psychologist. So pop on a pair and put your feet up for five minutes.

8th: Turmeric tea

“Give your immune system a boost by selecting drinks with ginger, black pepper, turmeric, honey and lemon as these all have germ-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Sarah Strang, founder of Tea & Tonic.

9th: Give back

Helping others is really fulfilling. Homeless charity Centrepoint offers virtual gifts such as a home-cooked Christmas dinner for £10. Visit centrepoint.org.uk.

10th: Happy scents

“Essential oils not only smell good, they’re highly relaxing,” says meditation expert Harriet Emily (harriet emily.com). “Lavender will bring inner peace, while orange will provide a mood boost.”

11th: Have a laugh

“Plug into comedy shows, podcasts and social media reels for a quick mood lift. Laughing reduces cortisol levels and stress and instantly improves mood and energy levels,” says wellbeing coach Polly Bateman (thepollybateman.com).

12th: Turn down the party

“Don’t feel that all events are unmissable, so take a deep breath and say no,” says lifestyle expert Catharina Bjorkman (contura.eu). “Don’t allow yourself to think you are letting anyone down. Friends and loved ones will understand.”

13th: Self-soothe kit

“Create a self-soothing kit, filling it with items you find comforting, like a soft blanket, a scented candle, herbal teas and a notepad,” says Dr Elena Touroni, consultant psychologist at The Chelsea Psychology Clinic.

14th: Dance party

“Five minutes of dance, or any type of exercise, releases feel-good hormones and endorphins, which provide a natural boost and trigger positive feelings in the body,” says Dr Touroni.

15th: Say thank you

“Practising gratitude trains the brain to take stock of the good things in life, instead of focusing on the things you don’t have, and helps foster positive feelings,” says Dr Touroni.

16th: Swap out a coffee

“Swap out one cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase stress levels. Switch to antioxidant-rich green tea, or fresh mint tea,” says former Strictly pro dancer Kristina Rihanoff, founder of wellness brand sooyoga.com.

17th: Use a bowl

Greg Tucker, taste psychologist for Sainsbury’s, says: “Eating from a bowl is comforting. The heat in our hands gives us a feeling of reassurance, while the weight of the bowl makes our brains believe the meal is satisfying.

“We tend to use just one utensil too, making it easier to curl up and relax.”

18th: Go for garlic

Most of us like a tipple at Christmas, and supporting your liver will help you feel your best. “Choose liver-kind foods like onions, cruciferous vegetables [brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, broccoli] and garlic,” says nutritionist Eleanor Thrupp (liveinnermost.com).

19th: Festive frolic

“Sex provides a feel-good neurochemical boost, which can combat the stress hormone cortisol, and aid sleep with the release of oxytocin,” says psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle (lelo.com).

20th: Pack in protein

“Consuming too much sugar can increase mood swings,” says Eleanor. “So try to eat protein with every meal to help you feel fuller for longer and prevent sugar cravings.”

21st: Switch to cotton

“If skin feels dry and uncomfortable, swap synthetic fabrics such as polyester for cotton and linen, as these feel better against the skin,” says dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite.

22nd: Spritz a scent

“Spraying your favourite perfume makes you feel better instantly. No matter what it reminds you of – a loved one, good times or a particular place – a spritz will lift your spirits,” says Iember Gordon, fragrance expert at The Fragrance Shop.

23rd: Scented shower

“Hang eucalyptus in your shower. The steam will activate a release of essential oils, filling your bathroom with its beautiful scent to reduce stress and anxiety,” says Dani Turner from bunches.co.uk.

24th: Water, water

“Have a glass of water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This is an effective way to cleanse your digestive system, kick-start the metabolism, and help you begin the day feeling great,” says Kristina.

25th: Sparkle and shine

“Popping on some OTT glitter gold nail varnish is a quick and inexpensive way to add sparkle to your day,” says nail expert Shian Paul (shiannails.com). “Every time you look at them it’ll give you a little lift.”