Less stress

Are you frantically trying to get it all done? Stop, breathe – and make this the year that YOu enjoy Christmas…

Christmas can be magical but there’s no denying that the lion’s share of work – as well as the worrying – is done by women. A national poll found that 68% of us feel some seasonal stress compared with only 40% of men. Amidst all the prep and the planning, though, it is possible to stay calm, avoid Christmas burnout – and, most importantly, enjoy it all. Here’s how… DR HElEn nigHTingalE Cognitive behaviour therapist, mindfulness expert and clinical psychologist specialising in stress, anxiety and relationship issues PROfESSOR STEPHEn PalmER Psychologist and founding director of the Centre for Stress management

JUlS abERnETHy Co-founder of the body Retreat’s Stress Re-set programme and neurolinguistic programming expert great for recipes you can make now and freeze. Keep it simple – Juls Abernethy suggests buying a turkey crown that comes ready-stuffed.

Crucially, you don’t have to do everything yourself. the trick is to give plenty of warning to others and approach it as a fun project. Can you hand over the Christmas cards to your partner and kids? Or send them off to buy the tree? instead of family gift-giving, try experiences you can all enjoy together instead, such as theatre tickets. StreSS buSter Give yourself a relaxing “gift” such as a massage, and plan for it during the frantic build-up. It will pay dividends. >>