Christmas overwhelm is real. For some, it’s a little bit of festive stress, that they almost enjoy. It’s part of the season, and a way to make sure that everything gets done. For others, it’s a barrier. Becoming overwhelmed by everything that you need to do can completely stop your enjoyment of the season. People get so stressed out that they end up hating the whole season, and start to dread it long before December arrives.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything that comes with Christmas. You might already be buying presents and planning events. Your diary might be filled with nativity plays, parties, local events, carol singing days, seeing friends, hosting dinners and plenty of other things that are meant to be fun. You might be busier at work than usual, or trying to find ways to earn extra money to ease the financial strain. Then, there’s family. It would be lovely to spend a happy Christmas with our families, but this doesn’t always work out. Family politics and feuds can add to our stress, and sometimes mean that we can’t see everyone that we want to, or that we have to see different parts of our families on different days.
There’s plenty to worry about at this time of year, which is why it’s more important than ever that you take some time out for yourself. Time away from all of the stress to rest and relax. To give yourself a chance to unwind, and to do things that make you happy. Take some time out for yourself, and you’ll have a much better chance to beat the festive overwhelm.
Create A Private Chill Out Space
Having somewhere that you can go to relax can be tremendously positive. A safe space can be somewhere for you to go when you need to be alone. Somewhere you are free to practice hobbies, be creative, read in peace, or just to sit and think. We all need to get away sometimes, but we don’t always have anywhere to go.
Look at garden buildings, for the perfect private space. But, if you don’t have space, creating your own nook or corner in your house can be effective. You might even have somewhere out of your home. A public space, where you feel free to relax and destress. This could be anywhere from a park, to a busy coffee shop, as long as it’s close to home, and you find being there soothes you.
Delegate Tasks
Stop trying to do it all on your own. Christmas is a time for families, and even if you are cooking dinner and hosting loved ones, you shouldn’t be doing everything on your own. Ask for help. Ask loved ones to bring things to help with dinner, or to be responsible for specific things. In your household, delegate cleaning jobs, or tasks like writing Christmas cards, to other people to give yourself a break. Don’t feel guilty for asking for help; even Santa has Mrs Claus.
Schedule You Time
If you have got a lot to do, and you know it’s only going to get worse as we get closer to Christmas, start scheduling you time. Book yourself a haircut and a massage. Book cinema tickets for you and a friend. You could even book a meal for one at a local restaurant. If you schedule you time, free up space in your diary for it, and book something nice for yourself, you are more likely to do it, than if you just say “yeah I’ll have a break when I’ve got time”.
Get Plenty of Sleep
You might think that staying up late and waking early will give you more time to get things done. But, when we’re tired, we don’t think clearly, and we can’t work productively. You’ll actually get more done, with less stress, if you are well-rested. Switch off and forget any plans for a while before bed, and you’ll sleep better. Hot drinks and reading can also help, but try to avoid mobile phones and other devices in the hour before bed.
Keep Exercising
Exercise is a great way to do something for yourself. It can boost your confidence and mood and give you some time away from your worries and stresses. Practice yoga to ease tension and stretch your muscles, and practice repetitive cardio exercise, like running or swimming, to give your brain a break.
Get Lost in a Good Book
Reading is such fantastic escapism. When we read, we get lost in someone else’s story for a while, and our own gets pushed to the back of our minds. This kind of escapism can be just what you need when you’ve got a lot going on, and you need a break.
Spread Things Out
Yes, Christmas will be here before you know it, but you’ve still got time. Start preparing now, do things a bit at a time, and spread the jobs, and the expense, as much as you can.
The same goes for events. Don’t leave seeing everyone until the last minute. Plan parties, get-togethers, nights out and other events so that they are spread out throughout December, giving you more time to rest in between.
Give Up on Perfection
We all want to have the perfect Christmas. We want to make it just right for our families, and we put so much pressure on ourselves to get it right that we get terribly upset if anything goes wrong. Let go of perfection right now. It won’t be perfect. But, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be magical. Stop striving for perfection, and you might have more time to enjoy it along with everyone else, instead of spending your time worried and stressed.
Try Meditation
Even when you are rushed, you need to take some time for yourself. Even five minutes of peaceful meditation can help you to focus and boost your mood. Try these meditation tips for help.
Give Your Time
One of our biggest worries is getting the people we love the perfect gifts. But, really, all they want is our time. Remember to focus on what really matters at this time of year. It’s not the food, gifts or decorations. It’s being with the people that we love.
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