It’s going to be a very different Christmas for lots of people this year.
2020 has brought with it its own unique stresses and difficulties.
But I guess for many, even in normal circumstances, Christmas is a time that has us wishing the day was over even before the Queen has delivered her good tidings.
With the media’s portrayal of what Christmas should look like, there is a pressure for perfection in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Present buying, wrapping, and sending. Food shop and preparation. Writing cards. Who to invite over. It’s a minefield of stressors.
And when the day finally arrives, the accumulation of all the stress ramps up.
So here are a few tips to hopefully try and help make the day a little easier for you.
Try To Drop The Need For Perfection
I understand that for a few, this is not achievable, but for those of you who are able, try to let yourself make mistakes.
If the majority of the festive workload has already fallen on your shoulders, try to delegate out some of the jobs on the actual day.
We’re not superhuman, allow family members to peel potatoes and carrots.
Say yes to offers to do the dishes. In fact, say yes to as many offers of help as you get. And if people do it differently to you, let them.
If you’re alone on Christmas Day, do things your way. The day is yours, so treat yourself with self-care and compassion.
Be Present
It’s about being present, not delivering presents. And this goes hand in hand with the first tip.
Breathing techniques can help in stressful situations because when we’re stressed our breathing shallows as part of the fight or flight response.
Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold for 10 seconds, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Repeat for a few minutes to instantly reduce stress.
Get outside
We used to always have a walk after Christmas dinner as a child. I used to dread it because the house would be warm and I’d much rather stuff myself with chocolates. But each and every time I’d come back feeling more positive than when I left (which is true of non-Christmas walks too).
This is because fresh air can help stimulate serotonin which helps us to relax and feel more positive. Even a quick stroll around the block can help reduce stress.
If this isn’t possible, try to step out for a moment, or open a window wide and breathe in the fresh air.
Manage Drinking Sensibly
Christmas is a time of excess. Be that food, sugar, chocolates, or alcohol. It’s so easy to start drinking at breakfast with the excuse of ‘it’s Christmas’ to make it seem more appropriate.
But if you want to have a drink, try to drink plenty of water as well as the alcohol. And try not to do it on an empty stomach.
There are also some great non-alcoholic drinks now that can feel festive enough to celebrate with.
Have An Escape Plan
If you’re in a room full of people — or a Zoom call — it’s always a good idea to have an escape plan that can get you out of the room if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Even if it’s just a trip trip to the toilet.
If you’re alone, why not get out for a walk, or to see a neighbour, or meet a friend socially-distanced?
Just by having two or three options that you can turn to may help lessen the stress. And leaving a stressful situation, even for a few minutes will help you clear your mind and relax.
Obviously, I am aware that this is not always viable—single parents with no childcare bubbles this Christmas I feel you.
Just know that it will pass and there is absolutely nothing wrong with Christmas movies and other screen time that can help you to have a moment’s peace.
I think the most important thing this year is to be kind to ourselves and others, and if you need someone to talk to or are on your own then please get in contact with the charities below.
Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk 03444 775 774
Samaritans samaritans.org.uk 116 123
Papyrus papyrus-uk.org 0800 068 41 41
Bipolar UK bipolaruk.org.uk
Shout giveusashout.org text SHOUT to 85258
Refuge refuge.org.uk 0808 200 0247
Mind mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393
Young Minds youngminds.org.uk 0808 802 5544
OCD UK ocduk.org 0333 212 7890
Calm thecalmzone.net 0800 58 58 58
Beat b-eat.co.uk 0808 801 0677
