In this week’s Micro Monday episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on ideas to reducing the stress leading up to and during the Festive Season. You may know all of these ideas but sometimes we just need to be reminded…..
Listen to the Episode
What are you tips to reduce stress during the busy time of year? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Day 1 – Reassess to Reduce the Stress.
A surefire way to reduce stress leading up to Christmas and the festive season is to have a plan and avoid over-committing yourself.For my Reassess to Reduce the Stress I have my calendar and trusty planner to help me. I’m prioritising what I need to do before Christmas and what can wait until the New Year. Plus I’m making a list and checking it twice just like Santa. My lists will keep me organised and ensure I don’t forget anything or anyone!
I’ve been sharing my 25 day countdown to a Stress Free Christmas over in the Women Living Well Facebook Group. Come join in the fun. Here are the first 5 days….
Day 2 – Deck the Halls – Do you Decorate for the Festive Season? Do You have any special decorations?
I love the Festive season and the decorations. It has been another tough year for many so time to try to bring some brightness into your life.Our tree is up and I find that the simple act of putting up the Christmas Tree and decorations is a great example of mindfulness. I put on some festive music and think about my loved ones who are still with me and those who are still here with me in spirit.
A friend Wendy who I met through blogging and lives in the U.S. sent me this Christmas decoration in 2015 and I think of her each year I place it on our tree.I have other decorations that my Mum had which are precious.I also buy a decoration for each of my grandsons each year for their tree. I’m building a collection of memories from Nan
Day 3 = Bring Movement into your day to stay healthy
Are you fit enough to survive the Festive Season? For many this year may be the first time in two years that we can celebrate the season with family and friends in person rather than via Zoom! Ensuring that you bring some form of movement into your day and making this a priority will keep you fit to party.Select an activity that you enjoy – Walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, anything that gets your body moving for at least 30 minutes every day or at least 5 days per week.
Day 4 – Reassess Gift Giving
I love to give, especially at this time of year but thinking of what to buy and who can buy for can be stressful. As our family grew, partners came along and grandchildren we decided that our traditional gift -giving would change. Now we buy for the grandchildren and have a Secret Santa for the adults. There is joy in giving but we need to remember to focus on the less materialist side of the Festive Season and share the best gift – our love and kindness.
Day 5 – Take time out of the hustle and bustle to watch a festive movie. Do you have a favourite?
Do you have a favourite movie that you watch every year?
Coming Soon:
Festive Bonbon linkup – 10 questions about the Festive Season on Friday 10 December
Recent posts:
Wrapping Up November from the Gold Coast
What’s On Your Plate? – My Traditional Festive Baking
Overcoming Obstacles to Find Joy in your life
What does self-care mean to you?
8 Comments
Hi, Sue – I agree that reassessing in order to reduce our stress is so important — especially at this time of year. Even too much of things we love can be too much. During the holidays we need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to accept every invitation, we don’t need to uphold every tradition and we don’t need to be all things to all people (even when those people want us to be).
Awesome episode!
Thank you Donna! I think we all know what to do but sometimes we get carried away and just need a reminder. x
Reducing our stress at this time of the year is the best way to cope . Thanks for the reminders and the wonderful images 🙂 The snowman on the bike made me smile!
Hi Deb, I actually thought of you when I posted the image of the snowman on the bike. xx
I love that you’re recapping the 25 days into a few posts! This year will be very different for us and I am trying to 1) enjoy every moment and 2) not stress over the differences or misses. New traditions? Maybe. Try some things on and not do again – yeah, that too.
Hi Pat, lovely to read your comment and glad you are enjoying the recap of my 25 days posts. I hope to remember to do this for the rest of the month. Sending best wishes to you for the Festive Season and 2022. x
Sue, I agree with each of your suggestions and give a hearty high-five to reassessing gift-giving. Several years ago it had gotten to the point of ridiculous, so we tapered off, then opted out completely. I’m sure things will change when/if we ever have grandchildren but for now, I am happy to be free from the stress of giving the perfect gift. Ditto to managing the pace by not overbooking. There was a time when I ignored that one, thinking I could do everything. Ha! Wisdom truly does come with age!
Hi Suzanne, none of my points were new but I know myself I need reminding to take a step back and actually enjoy the Festivities. x