Braving the crowds to frantically buy presents, transforming your house into a winter wonderland (with the air conditioning cranking), cooking the perfect festive feast, attending numerous work, friend and family gatherings and social engagements …does this sound familiar to you?
The festive season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. So what can you do to preserve your sanity and survive the season? We’ve put together our top tips to help you relax this December.
The festive season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. So what can you do to preserve your sanity and survive the season? We’ve put together our top tips to help you relax this December.
- Take notice
The festive season is a particularly busy time of year and one thing we can easily forget to do is to stop and breathe, and take notice of what’s going on around us. Find some time for yourself to relax and reflect. Do whatever makes you feel refreshed, such as swimming, having coffee with a friend or reading a book.
- Help others
Volunteer at your local shopping centre for gift-wrapping, donate a gift to someone in need, or help at a fundraising event. These are just some of the ways you can give up a bit of your time and make a positive difference to the lives of others.
- Be active
If you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the festive season, a brisk stroll, light jog or swim can do you the world of good. It will also help work off those extra roast potatoes and delicious desserts!
- Relax and spend time with people you love
Spend time with your family and friends, after all, this is what the festive season is all about. Whether it’s your mum, dad, children or a neighbour, surround yourself with people who make you feel happy.
- Cash-only
If you celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, leave the credit cards at home and only enter a shop with cash in hand making it less tempting to overspend. Create a list of gifts you want to buy before you go shopping.
- Sleep
Trust us, you’re going to need it. Sleeping is the time when our bodies recover. During the holidays, many people are sleep deprived. Make sure you get some quality sleep—even if it’s sneaking in an afternoon nap. You can thank us when you wake up refreshed and ready for the next party or social engagement.
- Everything in moderation
It may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol can be harmful. If you can’t (or don’t want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.