Keep calm and carry on!

ON THE VERGE OF A MELTDOWN IN THE LEADUP TO THE HOLIDAYS? TRY THESE STRATEGIES

Overcommitted, overloaded, overscheduled and just plain over it. Yep, the end of the year is often jam-packed with stress.

“We don’t call it the ‘silly season’ for nothing,” says Kelly Exeter, author of Your Best Year Ever and champion of living “a life less frantic”. “Everyone is that little bit more frazzled and grumpy.”

But it sure doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve rounded up seven tried-and-tested strategies to help you ditch that overwhelmed feeling this year.

1 WRITE IT DOWN

A to-do list can be a lifesaver this time of year.

It makes it easier to keep track of everything and allows you to prioritise what deserves your attention and time. Life coach Domonique Bertolucci agrees. “Instead of juggling 100 balls, focus on one thing – then move on to the next,” she says.

2 PRACTISE SAYING ‘NO’

It can be one of the hardest words to say, especially if you’re someone who’s prone to peoplepleasing. But for the sake of prechristmas sanity, it’s time to add “no” to your vocabulary. “A decent catch-up in January beats a stressed-out, ‘I only have time for a quick drink, then I’m off to the next thing’ in December,” says Kelly.

3 BREATHE (YES, REALLY)

According to Harvard research, slowing down your breathing with yoga, meditation or relaxation tapes can relieve anxiety and feelings of stress. A simple breathing exercise can work wonders – and it takes just seconds! “Breathe in for four seconds and hold for four seconds, then breathe out for four seconds,” Kelly says. “Do this four times.”

4 GO EASY ON YOURSELF

Take the pressure down. Try delegating tasks to relatives, swapping a turkey for fresh seafood to avoid being in the kitchen all day, or running a Secret Santa to save money. “Shop for groceries online, give experience gifts (movie tickets or restaurant vouchers) and avoid being near major shopping centres in December,” Kelly advises.

5 PRE-CHRISTMAS DIET? DITCH IT!

Forget dieting – focus on getting in plenty of fruit and vegies and moving your body for at least 20 minutes every day, says Kelly, who has a background in human movement and exercise.

6 BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

It’s scientifically proven that showing gratitude contributes to our overall wellbeing. So if you’re feeling exhausted, adopt a daily gratitude practice where you write down three things you’re grateful for.

7 LOCK IN DOWNTIME

Plan to have fun, even among all the obligations and holiday madness. “Schedule movies with a friend, a game of tennis or a leisurely lunch,” Domonique says. “Schedule things into your diary that force you to switch off.”