4 Ways to Create Calm This Festive Season
Christmas has an air of excitement about it, its buzzy and fun and there is an expectation of enjoyment and merriment. But it can also creep up on you and before you know it you’re caught up in the social whirlwind of parties and family get togethers, thinking about what presents need to be bought, cards to be sent and trying to beat the rush to book the Christmas delivery slots.
It can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re the one everyone looks to for ‘Sorting Christmas’ so to speak. So take a step back from the lists upon lists and breathe. This year create a Christmas that feels calm, where you still enjoy the fun and frolics but at your own pace, while protecting your energy.
1. Step into Christmas – Approach Christmas with a gentler mindset. You don’t have to skip family traditions or avoid the festive social scene, but bringing intention to the party will help you feel more in control of things. Think more ‘I choose to’ instead of ‘I have to’ if you switch it to a conscious choice rather than an obligation it removes the feelings of resentment and pressure. Don’t feel obliged to get involved with all the arrangements or accept all the invites, be confident and clear about what is within your capabilities and only go to the things you will enjoy.
2. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas – Communication is key, lay out what your limits are and set expectations well ahead of time. Remember you are only human, to get the most seasonal enjoyment you have to consider your own self care and protect your energy. You will feel more calm if you acknowledge where to draw the line particularly with family. Compromise by offering to do what feels achievable to you, suggest someone else helps share the load so you can enjoy it together. It’s a toast to self-preservation .
3. All I want for Christmas – Set some soft boundaries, instead of overloading your schedule, focus on the things that will give you the most peace and joy. It’s ok to say ‘no’ to invitations if you feel that they will drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted.
Limit social media, it’s very easy to fall down the rabbit hole of scrolling through endless perfect party season posts and compare it to your own Christmas plans which can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing.
Protect your emotional limits too, if you recognize that certain relatives or conversations trigger tension and stress, allow yourself the freedom to step away or change the subject to a gentler theme. Focus on your own joy and what brings you the most enjoyment at Christmas and you will find inner peace and calm.
4. Tis the Season to protect your Wellbeing – Amidst all the jollity, infuse a bit of calm. Simple things such as lighting a winter candle and breathing in the festive aromas, curling up with a mulled wine on the sofa or playing your favourite Christmas songs while you decorate the tree will nourish your mental wellbeing and help you to relax, giving your body and mind a moment of peace.
Taking a walk outside can also help bring a little perspective and grounding to what can often feel like a busy manic time, a little bit of quiet in a season full of festive noise.
Beginning your day with a moment of gratitude, some deep breathing, reflecting or journalling can provide you with the space and energy to get the most out of the seasons frivolities. Equally an evening wind down including a relaxing nighttime routine before bed, reading, stretching or a warm bath will help restore energy and calm and signal to your body it’s time to recharge and get some rest.
Final Thoughts
A calm Christmas isn’t the fun police, it is one aligned with what your mind and body needs and celebrates your energy and joy. These gentle steps will help you have the Christmas you would like to have. By putting them in place you will gift yourself the present of a lighter, calmer and slower Christmas that feels more in tune with your soul. A few things that will enable you to get the most out of the season, while looking after your mental and physical wellbeing. Give yourself permission to breathe, rest and savour the moments that truly matter this Christmas. Feel nourished, supported and like Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!
PS Let it go! Let it go! Let it go! Contact Positive Soul today to discover more.