Practical ways to reduce stress at Christmas.

In the past, at this time of year, I have been inundated with requests for help with a variety of problems.

Things like stopping smoking, losing weight, being more organised, getting healthier, reducing stress, sorting out relationships, getting a new job, being a better parent, going to the gym more and many other topics and themes that begin to enter our heads as this year fades and a new year begins to peek over the horizon.

Having a few things to focus on and a few goals to aim at is a great idea, however, trying to change a lot of things at once, or a big thing can add undue pressure. This can begin a spiral of negativity which usually culminates in feeling like a massive failure halfway through January.

1. Take A Step Back

It’s very easy to get embroiled in all the hype and frenzy that occurs in the run up to Christmas. To avoid ‘peaking too soon’ and having very little energy left to enjoy the big day, take a step back and remember the basics of good self-care.

Ploughing on through an enormous ‘to-do’ list can quickly zap our energy so taking time to be alone for even a short time will help ease the stresses and act as a reset to gather your thoughts and focus on the next thing. Some breathing exercise will also help calm the nervous system and add a much-needed break.

For more ideas – Join me on the Self-care Introductory Session – a 1-1 opportunity to explore this concept and do some work around it. That may be all you need right now, and that’s fine. If, however, this opens the door to more possibilities, then we can talk about that too.

Self Care Introductory Session

2. Boundaries

Where do you stand with this concept? We often talk about having or needing boundaries and notice when they don’t seem to work for us. We can also comment on other peoples’ lack of boundaries almost as a reason for their poor performance or health issues.

The truth is that it can be really difficult to set appropriate boundaries and uphold them because our circumstances can change quickly and we can feel like we are in ever-shifting sand.

Communication is sometimes at the bottom of issues, especially in relationships be they personal or professional ones but there can be a much more fundamental issue at play which makes the ineffective communication just a symptom of a deeper problem. What is this problem? Unhealthy boundaries.

Unhealthy boundaries cause all kinds of trouble creating an imbalance in which we start to flounder physically and emotional. When the balance isn’t right, it can create a spiral effect and leave us struggling and wondering how on earth things got to this stage.

Let me introduce Sarah.

Sarah worked hard, had a good deal to do with friends and family and enjoyed many hobbies. She enjoyed her job and had a good relationship with her partner. When Sarah came to me for help, she felt unfulfilled in her life but couldn’t but her finger on why.

Through discussion and gentle questioning Sarah revealed information which started to make sense of her situation. She spent a lot of time helping others and giving her time to various causes but instead of feeling valued, useful and appreciated, Sarah had begun to feel tired and resentful that her giving seemed to be a one-way street.

We talked about boundaries.

Sarah felt that she had those in her life, things she wasn’t prepared to put up with and things she felt strongly about. These turned out to be more of a set of values than actual boundaries and this was one of the reasons Sarah was feeling annoyed about how her life was turning out. Everyday events had started to wear away at her long-held beliefs and values causing an irritation which was now too big to ignore.

How do you establish and uphold boundaries?

Good question. For me, it starts with knowing what is important and working on small threads to produce a plan that works in establishing a boundary around that important thing and looking at ways to keep it in place.

Sound good?

January Bliss Offer

My ‘January Bliss’ program is designed to help you avoid those pitfalls and enjoy some success early in the new year! Working on a 1-1 basis, I will tailor a bespoke package of sessions to ease you into 2025.

Make self-care your number 1 priority in 2025 and book now.

Turn ‘I’ll try’ into ‘I will’ and work on a bespoke 1-1 basis with me to help you along the way. Having someone in your corner who will listen with compassion, support and coach you to make those changes could just be the ‘game changer’ you need to have success this year.

January Bliss – 3 sessions – that’s 3 hours of 1-1 support with personalised take aways and all the supporting material, just £149 – that’s a saving of £61!!

Your commitment – 1 hour of your time each week for three weeks and payment of the discounted rate of £149. (payable before the 5th January 2024)

My commitment – bringing my A game to the party! A range of tried and tested techniques that support mindset changes, encourage creative thinking and get stuff done.

     £149.00

3. Declutter

Use the time on the run up to Christmas to have a good clear out. Sorting, chucking out and repurposing items can have a tremendous uplifting effect on our mood and the sense of creating calm out of the chaos restores the soul.

Sort out whatever you want to; the kid’s toys, your wardrobe, the stash of novels, whatever you like. It doesn’t matter where you start, just make a start. Donate unwanted items to charities for an extra boost of festive cheer!

And if letting go of things proves difficult, you may like to explore that in my workshop. For more details, please follow this link.

Self Care Introductory Session

4. Carve Out Time For yourself

“When do I have time for me?!”

This is a common lament amongst my clients. Half desperation, half exasperation!

Think about these simple questions:

• What do you need?
• What stops you having time for yourself?

The truth can be a little hard to swallow. It can take guts and honesty to answer these questions with something more that, “there are just not enough hours in the day!”

You may not be ready to begin to be that honest with yourself and to delve into the reasons behind the constantly busy behaviours and the non-stop thoughts in you mind. But, when you are ready, I’ll be here. Let’s have a chat and see how I can help.