5 Ways to Keep Calm & Composed This Festive Season

It’s called the silly season for a reason. With so much to do and be on top of in so little time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and tense that can overshadow what this time of the year is all about – enjoying connection with others. 

Regain your mental control, keep calm & composed and be grounded with our top 5 tips: 

1. Have realistic expectations

If your to-do list is getting out of control and appearing unachievable before Christmas, re-access everything on the list and think through the impact of not getting it done. Taking a moment to step back and evaluate, whilst in calming and relaxed surrounds (do this in your backyard, at the park or out of the house if that’s where you’re becoming overwhelmed) It can help change your mindset and help focus on the tasks that are really important and achievable.

2. Ask for help and learn to say ‘no’

Take the stress out of managing everything on your own by delegating and asking others to help in advance. Also mindfully resist the urge to say ‘yes’ to everything just to please others or to prove a point. Declutter your list by saying ‘no’ to tasks that are time consuming and add little value, or even adding small things to your list which can become overwhelming and detract you from what’s really important.

3. Prioritise me-time

Factoring in time for yourself is essential to recharge, restore and avoid wearing yourself out. Schedule calming activities as a break that fill your bucket. Our reserves have been depleted to levels that many of us have never experienced before with Covid. Taking a break does not mean you're eluding responsibility! Self-care gives you the mental energy and physical stamina to be your best.

4. Calm your farm

Build into your daily schedule restorative activities, routines and incidental activities that bring joy and calm to yourself, whist topping up your energy reserves to help offset the daily pressures this time of the year. Consider one of the many breath-works out there (a simple technique is to start by simply taking a slow, deep inhale for a count of five, and then a slow, deep exhale for a count of seven) – it’s free and one the simplest ways we can bring ourselves back into the present moment and calm our minds.

5. Nurture your body to protect your immune system

Taking care to upkeep your physical wellbeing is key to strengthening your mental wellbeing and ability to cope in stressful situations. For some stress is a major trigger of cravings or additions, so be proactive in exercising daily, eat a wholesome and nutritious diet, prioritise restful sleep, take supplements for a boost, minimise alcohol and drink in moderation and spend time with supportive people around you.