COVER How to fix seasonal stress
We look forward to the holiday season but worrying about endless to-do lists or family dynamics can take a toll on our health. Stress not – Lizzy Dening has the solutions...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… isn’t it? Of course the festive break can indeed be magical, but there are also expectations that go with it.
While getting together with loved ones is a privilege, it can also be extremely tiring, especially when coupled with a strange diet, lack of routine and that whole pressure to have the ‘perfect’ Christmas and New Year that just doesn’t fit with real life. And those seeds of stress can have an impact on your health...
“Our festive worries can trigger the fight or flight part of our nervous system because our body feels under threat,’ says Iona Russell, a Life Fulfilment Coach (www.ionarussell.com). “This can show up in many ways in our bodies, such as poor sleep, upset stomachs, irritability, headaches, pain or fatigue.”
Thankfully there are lots of simple, immediate methods to help you regain that festive magic and let go of stress.
Make time for yourself
As the old saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’, but that doesn’t stop many of us overdoing things. Taking time for yourself is anything but selfish – it will help keep stress at bay and protect your immunity.
“Over the holidays, make sure you set some time each day to do something that makes you feel good. Often all we need is five minutes’ break with a cup of tea to decompress,” says Iona. “With your family, remember it’s OK to step away from the madness – take your time and slow things down, and if your little ones need time out (as emotions can run high for them too), give them space for quiet time.”
If you find it hard to stick to, why not consider setting an alarm on your phone – or even an alarm clock – twice a day to remind you to drop what you’re doing and take a long hot bath, or a break with a magazine.
Cut down that list
Even the thought of Christmas lists can be enough to stress us out. “Having a huge to-do list can become overwhelming and it feels like we never get anything done,” says Iona. “Set yourself two or three actions a day and congratulate yourself on doing those.
“And delegate – give your partner a list of things that need picking up (you can’t do everything), make sure children are on washing-up duty and ask guests to bring
Set an alarm on your phone to drop everything and relax – just five minutes will help
a dish for a fun pot-luck supper.”
And on that note, there’s one magical little word we’d like to recommend: no. Many of us find it a tricky one, particularly at this time of year, but after a certain point you can’t take on anymore chores
You can’t do everything! Share tasks with other family members, it’s only fair...
and responsibilities. The next time someone offers you a party invite you just can’t squeeze in, or asks you to lend a helping hand that’s already crammed full, take a breath before committing. If it’s just not in your nature to decline, we recommend telling them you’ll check your diary and
get back to them, so you have the time to consider your options. Give yourself a little gift this year and start saying no to saying yes!
Learn to laugh
Some of the most memorable holiday seasons are the ones that were nearly disasters – after all, the Christmas story would’ve been different if there had been enough room at the inn!
Whether you’re all struck down with a bug, no one remembered to order a turkey, or there’s a power cut on New Year’s Eve, sometimes all that’s left is to remember that this is only a small part of your life – and at least it could make an entertaining story, or help bond you with others. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up starring on our letters’ pages!