How you CAN make your life easier this Christmas

How you CAN make Your Life Easier this Christmas –

2020 seems to have disappeared in the blink of the eye and Christmas is well and truly on the way whether we like it or not.  Are you excited? Or are you looking forward to it being all over?   Your answer may depend upon how many people you usually spend Christmas with.

Without even mentioning Christmas many of my clients are stressed about something, be it work, relationships, caring for elderly parents, becoming a new mum, generally just not having enough time out for themselves.

With anxiety levels rising generally and just a few weeks left to get ourselves organised I thought you may be in need of six tried and tested ways you CAN make your life easier this Christmas.

If you allow it Christmas can just become another burden.  Did you see what words I used there … if you allow it? 

I want you to focus on feeling relaxed, having a memorable Christmas that makes you happy or that is at least filled with some happy moments and this takes just a little preparation.

Instead of just getting whisked away in all your to do’s and lists I invite you to just spend a few minutes really thinking about some answers to these questions….

What can you do to make your life easier this Christmas?

> Hire a cleaner to take some of the pressure off – even if it’s a one off deep clean

> Arrange for some groceries delivered – try out companies that deliver recipes and all the ingredients to save you time and hassle like Mindful Chef – they have a fantastic introductory offer. In fact if you use the link here you will get 25% off your first 4 boxes and I’ll get £10 off one! Win win.

> Send e-cards, save the environment and give a donation to charity instead they really need our support right now

> Ask other members of your household for help

> Book a day or two off work or even half a day so you can have some fun, or just have some time out for you – No not to just get more stuff ticked off your lists!

What can you say ‘No’ to?

Are there any traditions that you keep doing but don’t really enjoy?  Playing the same old board game or video game with your family?  Why not change things up a bit and try something else?  December can become a busy month  of various demands from all areas – family and work, commitments to friends so remember you CAN pause and just say no.

Remember to pause

If someone asks you to do something and you hear yourself replying “yes” but you feel uncomfortable try and pause.  Catch yourself and say “can I let you know, I need it check something first” or anything to give yourself some space so you can think about it and reply later.  If you are a people pleaser, by giving yourself time to pause and reflect you may find it easier to say “No”.  From personal experience this does get easier with practice!

 

What is important to you? Focus on that

If your health is important to you and you need some time to release stress then go out for that walk or run, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.  Book that massage that you’ve been thinking about, do something to nourish your body, mind and soul.  Keep some form of your usual routine going like a cup of tea and a few minutes reading in the morning to keep you calm before the day ahead.  Get into a good space with a regular 5 or 10 minute meditation on waking.

 

Make a change

Pick just one thing that really annoys you every Christmas and see if you can tackle it with a fresh perspective.

 

What do or did you love about Christmas, if not now, perhaps when you were a child?

Think of smells, sounds, tastes, textures. Can you re-create any of these this year?

What CAN you still do? What do you have control over?

There are many things we are not allowed to do right now.  It’s easy sometimes to focus on all the negatives. Yes we are only human of course. Try and focus on what you can can change and what positive steps or alternatives you can take. Make the most of what you have and be grateful.

At the beginning of this I wrote ‘if you allow it Christmas can become just another burden’.  Remember you have a choice, you don’t have to follow traditions or do things just for the sake of doing them, or pleasing certain people.

If you can make some time just for you and address your own needs you’ll feel more fulfilled and satisfied. The things you do, feel and say will have a positive impact on others.  Just in case you were wondering no it’s not selfish.  Practising self care actually makes you more compassionate towards others.  When your cup is full you have plenty to offer others!

I hope you have found this blog useful and I welcome you to leave a comment below. Feel free to share your thoughts and tips on Christmas 2020….

Until next time,

Take care of YOU!

Best wishes

Louisa