Categories: Tips & Tricks
16 December 2022
Tips & Tricks to stay calm and relaxed during the Festive Season
Festive season is here! Christmas parties, Christmas catch-ups & Christmas concerts fill the calendar. The weather is also warmer, so extra catch-ups for BBQs, time at the beach or relaxing by the pool.
A lot of people when they get to this time of year are feeling run down, overwhelmed, tired and stressed. Overall, its a busy time of year.
That's often why it's also referred to as silly season! The question is... What things can you put into action now so that you don't crash and burn when you do finally stop for the year?
Here are some of tips & tricks that I use myself during this time of year and I wanted to share them with you:
Schedule in relax time
It's easy when life gets really busy to forget to schedule in relaxation time. We end up being so go, go, go that we often forget to stop. Yet taking time out, even if for a short period (10 minutes a day), helps to calm the nervous system and keep you in a more balanced state.
Christmas is fun time! However, if you have a family & children, then a lot of behind the scenes planning goes into ensuring a fun day for all on Christmas Eve/Day. Often the extra pressure of family dynamics too can also be somewhat tricky for some. The nervous system takes a hit and symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue and overwhelm arise. Or get worse during this time of year.
Finding what works for you is key for scheduling in relaxation time.
For some, sitting in a nice hot bath at night, is a great way to unwind (even better if you add in some Epsom salts and your favourite essential oil).
For others, a swim in the pool or ocean does the trick also.
There are so many small ways to add in relaxation time to your day.
- Meditation (insight timer app is my favourite)
- A nice cup of tea (chamomile, lemon balm and lavender are great for anxiety and calming a stressed out nervous system).
- Breathing, diaphragmatic breathing techniques and remembering to take a deep breath.
Spend time in nature
If you think about it, our ancestors spent most of their time outside in nature. These days, we spend a huge portion of our days inside and often even more if the weather isn't playing nice either.
Research shows that spending time in nature is good for both mental and physical health.
Grounding is an example of this. Grounding is a technique that involves doing activities that ground or reconnect you to the earth. Walking barefoot on the beach or barefoot on your grass at home are both examples of this.
Drink Herbal Tea
Herbal Teas have many health benefits.
Firstly, specific herbs can help with anxiety, fatigue, sleep and digestion.
Secondly, the process of making a cup of tea also is a calming ritual in itself. Waiting for the kettle to boil, steeping the tea leaves or flowers, enjoying the aromas and drinking the tea also gives you some time out (5-10 minutes) from a busy schedule.
My favourite teas are:
- Tulsi
- Spearmint
- Butterfly Pea (great for high tea)
- Hibiscus- iced or hot, add a little lemongrass to lift it to the next level.
Keep Moving
Often one of the first things that slips when we get busy is exercise or movement. Yet as we know exercise has so many benefits for health. Including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental health & improving fitness. The festive season also brings with it, more alcohol and more food. Staying on track with exercise and movement also means that you avoid starting the new year in damage control. Trying to lose the extra kgs that you gained over Christmas.
If you aren't too motivated by hitting the gym hard during this time of year then find fun ways to keep moving like:
- Go for a big long walk at night looking at the Christmas lights in your local area.
- Head to a day at the beach and hire a paddle board or kayak for extra movement in the day.
- Go for a hike in the hills.
- Try a new class (Pilates, dance or yoga)
- Christmas shopping also clocks up extra steps too. Carry your bags instead of using a trolley and walk back to the car each time your hands are full.
- Planning a Christmas lunch with friends or family? Instead of sitting around after lunch, play some backyard cricket.
Overall, think of ways that you can add extra movement into your days and your nervous system and waistline will be thankful come January.
Focus on sleep
Getting good quantity sleep can be hard in between the festive activities. Whilst it may not always be possible to get a solid 7-8 hours sleep (especially with young kids). Focusing on good quality sleep can be within your control.
Here are some tips to improve your quality of sleep:
- Avoid all technology and devices 30-60 minutes before bed. This allows your body time to wind down before sleeping.
- Ensure that the room is dark. The body produces the sleep hormone melatonin when it is dark. Using an eye mask can also help to create more darkness.
- Listen to a meditation or calming music before bed. The added benefit of this, if it is created as a habit, is that the body starts to recognise the calming music as a signal to sleep too.
Overall, there are many ways for you to get through the festive season in a calm and relaxed state. Scheduling in relaxation time, spending time in nature and staying active are some of the ways that can help you get through this busy time.
Remember, Christmas is one day. It doesn’t matter if you over eat on one day. One day isn’t going to completely destroy your health plan. It’s when these behaviors start moving from a one off to multiple times per week that things will start going a little haywire. It can be easy to maintain a level of health and wellness following these few tips and tricks as discussed above.
If you need extra support for your nervous system or lifestyle tips and tricks then book in consultation with me to go more in depth with your goals and keeping you on track.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas.
Melanie