Christmas Stress Relief Tips For You!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a… wait what wait… Hang on…The night before Christmas, nothing stirring???

Christmas can be one of THE most stressful times of the year! There are presents to buy, holidays to organize, people to manage, that dreaded Aunt that always causes problems… Not to mention, somehow coming up with all the money to pay for it.

These are the common causes of Christmas stress but there are also deeper things that arise. Loneliness, missing someone that has passed, or even the need for everything to be perfect.

The holiday season can begin to feel overwhelming so here are some helpful tips to make this time much easier.

Number 1 - Manage Family Expectations.

Often the holiday can be a challenge with respect to family dynamics.

It may be spending time with people you don’t see often, having to work around different places to be on Xmas day, or knowing there are family members that tend to make things difficult.

We tend to try and keep everyone happy, but sometimes this is simply impossible. The best way is to manage expectations is to be realistic about what you can and can’t do.

Sit down and write a list of the people that are expecting to see you, or where you want to be and when. By having this in front of you, you can start to plan where you will be and what will be the most relaxed way to enjoy your Xmas. Once you have the plan, share it with the people involved. This will stop disappointment and with early enough notice, they may work their plans around you.

If there is a family member that you know will be difficult, choose a time to see them away from the busy time, or have a plan in place, (such as the attached 5 minute de-stress recording) that you can listen to when they are around.

Number 2 – Financial Stress

Xmas can be so expensive, especially now with the cost of travel, food and basic living expenses going up. Financial stress is huge and can last before and after the Xmas period.

There are a few things we can do to ease the pressure here.

The first one is creating a budget and sticking to it. I can sense some eyes rolling here, but it is so important. Give yourself a present allowance, an amount to spend for each person.

Once you have that set, your mind will start working on gift ideas that fit within the budget. You may want to brainstorm each person, write their name in the middle of a piece of paper and come up with things they are interested in and like. Remember a lot of times the funny or well thought out gifts are the ones we remember the most.

This is also the same with food and travel. When you sit down and plan meals and places, you are less likely to buy too much and panic shop.

Number 3 – The Dreaded High Expectations

Who has felt the need for everything to be perfect?! The Christmas tree, the meal, even wanting to look good.

This need can be there for many different reasons, but the common thread seems to be worrying about what others think or wanting people to be happy.

Step back and ask yourself.

Who am I doing this for?

What would really happen if things weren’t exactly how I wanted them to be? Is it worth the stress it causes?

Would those people be happier if you were happier and not stressed?

Visualisation Exercise – Close your eyes and take a relaxing breath in and out. From here, imagine seeing yourself standing in front of you. Imagine seeing yourself through the eyes of the ones that love you.

Does the YOU in front of you deserve a peaceful, relaxed Christmas?

If any uncomfortable feelings arise, imagine a beautiful Golden Light coming down through the top of their head washing any discomfort until you see them glow. Reach out and imagine holding their hands and let them know that they are worthy, and you will do your best to let them enjoy this Christmas time.

Email me naomi@leadinglight.me for a quick stress relief hypnosis recording for you. Please listen to it whenever needed. I purposely made it quick so you can sneak out in the busy times and have it on your phone always (even at a Christmas function)