Although the Christmas period is meant to be joyful, the run-up to the big day can feel fraught. Pressure, high expectations and a jam-packed calendar of commitments can make things challenging. For some of us, it's also a lonely time of year.
A little bit of self-care can go a long way in lifting our spirits and making things a bit more bearable. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your stress levels low this Christmas.
Christmas can feel like a chaotic and busy time, but even a small amount of time giving back to worthy causes can improve our mood – a real win-win. Small acts of kindness have a positive impact on the people around us as well as ourselves.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, volunteering and helping others can: "Help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities. Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a food bank can also help reduce loneliness and isolation."
Doing good deeds promotes changes in the brain that not only make you feel happier but also calmer – and that you can draw upon the memories from this 'kindness bank' long after the event. So, whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter or inviting an elderly neighbour over for a mince pie and cup of tea, now’s the time to embrace the Christmas spirit.
Preparing for Christmas can be stressful in itself, but if you feel a drastic dip in your mood in autumn and winter regardless of additional festive pressure, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD is sometimes known as 'winter depression' and symptoms can range from a persistent low mood to extreme lethargy – all of which become worse during the darker months of the year.
If you suffer from SAD, then Christmas planning may feel extra overwhelming, so it's worth talking to your GP if you think you might be suffering from the condition. Improving how you feel generally will make Christmas much less stressful on the whole.
You can also read our guide on practical ways to ease SAD symptoms.
Mindfulness – that is, paying attention to the present moment – can give you a greater awareness of the thoughts and feelings going through your head. By allowing you to stand back from your thoughts, you can notice the ones that might be unhelpful or taking over – and then help you deal with them in a better way.
One way to combine mindfulness with feel-good endorphins and serotonin is by practising mindfulness on walks. Leave your headphones at home and head out on your own.
Mindfulness practitioner and author, Joy Rains, told The Guardian: "When we're walking, we're not doing much else other than maybe being caught up in our stuff. That’s a great time to bring awareness, instead, to your feet as they connect with the ground.”
When you realise your mind has wandered, guide it back to the sound of your steps, the way the sun feels on your skin, or the sound of your breathing. The idea is to refocus your attention and allow thoughts to flow right past you.
For dog owners, Joy suggests: "Notice the dog's tail wagging, the sound of the dog's feet clicking on the pavement, the clouds of breath coming out of your dog's mouth on a cold day."
One of the kindest acts of self-care you can grant yourself is the act of letting go of expectations, comparison, and perfection.
It doesn't matter what anyone else is doing for Christmas, or if this Christmas isn't as large as the ones in the past. Let go of feelings of inadequacy – it serves no one.
Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve in terms of energy, finances and time. Plan realistically, not idealistically – this way, you can have a Christmas that is achievable and doesn't have room for failure. And, if things do go awry, then laugh it off!
You can also try out positive affirmations. These personal mantras encourage us to refocus our minds and help shift our thought patterns from negative to positive. In doing so, they boost our self-esteem, motivation and mindset.
When we spiral into stress, it can be hard to remember anything positive. However, identifying things we're grateful for is a brilliant way to reframe our mindset and also helps us to feel calmer. This is where a gratitude journal comes in.
According to the experts at verywellmind: "Developing an attitude of gratitude toward the people, things, and events in your life is a life-affirming and effective way to strengthen your emotional resilience and reduce stress. You'll be focusing on the positive aspects of your life while also reaping the benefits of journaling in general."
According to studies, journaling and expressive writing can even help us process traumatic events and possibly improve our physical health, too.
All you need is five minutes, pen and paper. Write down three things you're grateful for before bed each night – it can be anything at all.
Verywellmind adds: "Remember that all gratitude doesn't need to be saved for the journal. Tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them. From people in your family to the people you encounter in your day, everyone likes to know that they're appreciated. Their positive reactions can help put you in a positive mood, too."
We all know how good a change of scene can make us feel, and this also applies to Christmas stress. If your environment – whether that's work, home, or both – makes it impossible to unwind, then it's crucial to find somewhere that removes you from the stress.
This relates to the concept of a 'third space' – a place outside of home and work. It's a phrase coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who describes third spaces as places hosting "the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work."
This could be your gym or yoga studio, the park, a cinema, your favourite coffee shop or the library. Access to third spaces such as these is fundamental to our psychological well-being, allowing us to exist away from pressurised environments and also to find enjoyment.
A regular trip to your third space of choice could be the key to maintaining a sense of calm over the festive period. Why not plan a regular trip to your favourite cafe, or visit your favourite art gallery? Even half an hour in a place you have positive associations with can help you relax and recharge.
The Christmas self-care edit
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