12 #TopTips for Coping with Christmas Overwhelm and Stress

Christmas!

That time of year where everyone suddenly starts talking about the weird and wonderful traditions like “elf on the Shelf” or who puts the star/angel on top of the Christmas tree or even the age old debate of when the Christmas tree should go up!  It can cause huge amounts of overwhelm and stress for so many people. Todays blog is all about coping with Christmas overwhelm and stress. Continue reading for your 12 #TopTips for coping with Christmas overwhelm and stress.

Christmas Overwhelm and stress

Who has ever worried about putting on weight? Or maybe drinking too much? Have you been puzzled about what to buy someone you didn’t ever want to buy for anyway? How about the person you do want to buy for; but you think they already have everything? You have so much to worry about that Christmas overwhelm and stress completely eats into your enjoyment.

Have you made a suggestion you’ve later regretted? You know, like inviting everyone round to yours for Christmas dinner? Or saying you’ll spend time with that family member that drives you round the bend and up the wall?

Or maybe you’re struggling with time to go out and buy what you need. Maybe time isn’t the issue, but money is. Let’s face it, we’d all love it if money did grow on trees, but the harsh reality is that it doesn’t, and getting into debt is a real concern for many which really does lead to Christmas overwhelm and stress.

Maybe you have lost someone you love, and Christmas is particularly difficult because those you love aren’t around you like they used to be. And that might not be because they have died, it could be for any number of reasons.

Whatever your Christmas overwhelm and stress is let’s take a little bit of time to look at how you can cope better with the festive season this year.

The value of relaxation

A particularly helpful activity you can do for yourself is to take time out to relax. Research study after research study shows time and time again how valuable a little relaxation time has on our ability to cope with all kinds of challenges, including Christmas overwhelm and stress. If you’ve ever been to one of our monthly Calm Your Mind sessions in Newhey, Rochdale you will have experienced the incredible benefits taking 90 minutes for yourself, has on your body and mind. Our final session of the year and Christmas special, is this Thursday at 7pm. Spaces book up quickly, but we still have a few available get in touch if you’d like to know more. Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited.

12 #TopTips for coping with Christmas overwhelm and stress

1. Most important of all BE KIND to YOU! Say 3 kind sentences to yourself each night before bed.
2. If Elf on the shelf is causing you worry speak to your children and ask them what naughty things they think he might get  up to. You can do a quick google search for ideas too.
3. If there’s a Christmas tradition that doesn’t bring any of you joy, then consider making a new tradition that you’ll all love instead.
4. Worrying about eating or drinking too much? Set yourself some clear boundaries, discuss whether others in your family/friends want to do the same so you can support each other.
5. Worried about what to buy? Talk/communicate your concerns. Consider you being the receiver, people often buy what they like for others…what did they buy you last year?
6. Don’t put yourself under pressure on the day. Think ahead, what can you do to lighten the load? What can you say to yourself that will help you remain calm and enable you to enjoy your day?
7. Do you need to spend time with people whose company you don’t enjoy? Really? Could you arrange to see that person at another time?
8. If time to buy gifts is the issue try this little break down; 8 hours sleeping, 8 hours working…. That’s another 8 hours for you to be doing other things, what are you doing in those 8 hours? Can you use your time more productively?
9. Set up a spreadsheet or table so you can keep track of spending and what you have bought for whom. Don’t go over your spending limits. Your family will survive if they don’t get the present they were expecting.
10. When we lose loved ones Christmas can be horrendous. Consider what would be gentler for you this year? What one thing could you change that would make it at least a little more bearable to cope with?
11. Choose one little reward for yourself every day (not money, food, or drink related). Some people find this super difficult. Feel free to share your ideas to help them out in the comments below.
12. Use a mantra to help you get through each day. I’ll share some to help give you some ideas over the coming days.

One last snippet of gold I saw recently

I saw a lovely little post recently where a mum had written a letter from the elves to her daughter explaining that the gift her daughter really wanted (but was extortionately priced for its worth) had already been gifted out and allocated to someone who needed it more this year, Santa and the elves hoped she would understand. And of course, being the lovely girl she was, she understood completely. If you’re struggling this year with something your child wants, this is a helpful idea you may want to consider.

Thank you for all your support this year. I’m always so grateful to each of you for reading my posts and commenting and sharing them too. You are AMAZING. Don’t ever forget that!

Whatever you’re doing this Christmas be gentle to yourself.

Much love,

Tania

P.S. Check my other blogs for more December Survival Guide tips. If you like what you see, please share it with friends and family. Thank you.

Have you seen any information about my Sparkling Moments 30 Days of amazing book? It’s out just in time to make a wonderful Christmas gift, or perhaps a Christmas purchase for yourself. You can sign up here to be notified as soon as it’s ready for release on Amazon. You can read a recent review by Worsley Creative Services here.