It’s already November. We have changed the clock, got the woolly jumpers out, and the shops are all decorated for Christmas. My children’s wish list to Father Christmas is growing a metre every day. As I did my grocery shopping I was once again overwhelmed by the choice of cards, Christmas offers, menu ideas and so on. And no wonder, I’m starting to feel the strain.
Well, I am not alone according to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation. They found that 29 per cent people in the Midlands feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas, 26 per cent would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do and 46 per cent want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas.
So what should we do to make sure that we will have a jolly good time over Christmas without ‘Christmas stress’ (yes, there is a name for it)? Some tips that can help you:
1. Planning ahead is essential. Be organised, make your plan in time. Come up with a list of topics you have to deal with this years (like Christmas cards, shopping, menu…) and break them down into little steps, and I mean little. The best would be if you can give each step a realistic due date, spread them well over a period of time. Think how awarding it feels when you start ticking them out.
2. Remember what is important to you in Christmas. Take time to visualise it and plan accordingly. You don’t need to break a bank to warm the heart of your loved ones.
3. Plan some time for yourself. Take a break away from preparation. Get pampered, relax, try complementary therapies and don’t forget to exercise – a good way to reduce stress. There are important benefits of a well spent ‘me-time’: it makes you less cranky, you sleep better, gives you more energy.
4. Save your energy, learn how to deal with hassles. Concentrate on the things you can change rather than worrying about the things you can’t.
5. It doesn’t all have to be all perfect. ‘Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me.’ – said Carl Sandburg. And he is sooo right.
Remember you’re not alone. The chances are that you will know at least one other person who is going to find Christmas stressful. Why not agree to meet or talk on the phone? Sharing problems often helps, and you’ll be assured that what you’re feeling is perfectly normal.
I am pleased to announce to be the first practitioner to join Salus Wellness, a complementary therapy clinic recently opened in Cambridge.
A short visit was enough to decide to join my forces with the newly open clinic. The value proposition offered by Salus Wellness is very compelling indeed: great premises, central and practical location with easy parking and the the extra help with my marketing and sales, ensuring that my business can grow even more.
Coaching Her is proud to announce its new website with blog. We would like to thank Andrea Cristofaro for the new, very stylish design. Please have a good look at who we are, what we do and how we can help you!
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