REVIVE YOUR FESTIVE SPIRIT
OH NO, YOU CAN’T… OH YES, YOU CAN! Focus on natural wellbeing moves and therapies to help reframe your mood, let go of any holiday anxiety and de-stress
Wellbeing moves to make you feel good
CURE PARTY ANGST
Why is it that some events cause worry? Whatever your festive nemesis – new people, unknown places, dress anxiety – face it with an easy mind/body move. ‘While walking into a room, concentrate on the sensation of your body to ground you in the moment and boost your confidence,’ says Dominique Antiglio, author of The Life-changing Power Of Sophrology, who also runs sophrology sessions – a mix of meditation, breathing and relaxation exercises.
Open your chest, stand tall and be aware of your feet connecting to the ground. Focus on breathing deeply, so your stomach inflates, and notice how your inner state shifts to a more confident self.
Set the intention to be self-confident and open-minded before you walk into any room. Look at people and situations as if seeing them for the first time, without fixed ideas and with excitement.
Take a long out-breath through your mouth – imagine all the tension and worry going out with it. Then inhale fresh air that’s full of confidence and positivity. Now in you go and enjoy!
Clear festive fog
Losing your Christmas focus? You may be dehydrated or even partied out, but pineapple could help. Nutritionist Joy Bauer, author of Joy’s Simple Food Remedies: Tasty Cures For Whatever’s Ailing You, is a fan. ‘Pineapple is rich in water and contains bromelain to aid digestion and ease inflammation, which helps a headache or sore muscles after a night of dancing.’ Try her head-clearing shake: in a blender, add ½ frozen peeled banana, ½-1 cup frozen pineapple chunks, ½ cup milk, 1tsp vanilla extract and 3-5 ice cubes. Process until smooth. TIP If you prefer, you can use fresh banana and canned pineapple.
CREATE HOLIDAY HARMONY
The family are coming. Four words that can bring on angst – fast! Hauling out the diffuser could help, and aromatherapist Glenda Taylor has a blend for all reasons. Into a diffuser, add 3-4 drops of each of the oils if… THEY’RE DISAGREEING Mandarin + orange + grapefruit = makes them cheerful! THE MOOD’S NOT GOOD Clary sage + petitgrain + rose geranium = to rebalance. THERE’S NO ENTHUSIASM Peppermint + lemon + black pepper = to perk ’em up! THEY’RE TOO HYPED! Chamomile + lavender + mandarin = will calm them.