5 ways to create a more calm christmas this year

It’s a beautiful time of year but as Christmas is just around the corner I know that some of you will be feeling your stress levels rise.  So, if extra responsibilities and commitments are already filling the weeks ahead, then grab a hot drink and wander through these tips to help you create a calmer Christmas this year. 

LET GO OF PERFECTIONISM
There’s no doubt that Christmas brings out the inner perfectionist in most of us but let’s try to keep it under control this year. Finding the perfect gifts, food and things to wear are not as important as we think they are. I know that it can take some time to let go of perfectionism but try to loosen the chains a little and accept that perfect is not possible - even at Christmas!    

FOCUS
There are so many studies now that show that multi-tasking wasn’t really ever possible, we’re simply not wired that way. Sure you can get multiple things done but not really to the same standard and not with any real time-saving. Taking a single task at a time is the easiest - and most enjoyable way - to get anything achieved and wouldn’t it be nicer to mindfully enjoy some of those festive rituals rather than rushing through them.      

ASK FOR HELP
This is a challenge for a lot of us because we feel that we should be able to manage everything ourselves. But, if you can try to give a go you’ll really feel the benefits. Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done on the lead up to the holidays; remove anything that’s not essential and see if there’s anything that someone else can easily take care of.  While we don’t want to add to anyone else’s responsibilities, there are often people around you that have more free time and would love to contribute.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Regular self-care can get pushed even further down the list when things get busy but this just leaves you feeling exhausted and puts your health at risk. Create extra time to nourish your mind, body and soul - that can be anything from taking an extra yoga class, an afternoon nap or simply turning off your phone for half an hour! ​Here are even more self care tips and a useful printable checklist.

APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS
Rather than focusing on the things that didn’t go to plan, the gifts you couldn’t get or the food that didn’t quite cook the way it was supposed to, look for the little things. The smiles on people’s faces, that sprinkle of magic in the air or spending time with people that you haven’t seen all year. Look for those small things and pause to enjoy as many of them as you can because if this year has taught us anything it’s that those are the things that matter the most.        

Whatever you do, please try not to let the season pass in a busy blur, only to find yourself worn out and feeling low by the time Christmas arrives. With some conscious planning and regular self-care, I’m sure that this year you can create a more calm and enjoyable Christmas.  

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.