The holiday season brings joy and warmth, but it can also bring about stress and challenges that may impact our mental health. Here, we will delve into the nuanced aspects of well-being during the Christmas season, exploring how the role of the Christmas break impacts our overall well-being. We'll look at healthy coping skills to alleviate common stressors we are faced with and some essential self-care tips to use as mini survival strategies. And when things get overwhelming, remember to take a deep breath in for 4, and breathe out for 6. =)
If you are feeling depleted, sad, depressed, overwhelmed or anxious watch this soothing Qigong workout (5mins) or scroll down to see our DIY Acupressure Massage Points for Stress & Anxiety. These are great to do even in disguise whilst chatting with someone so to calm one's nerves.
The Essence of Christmas
The Christmas spirit emphasis is on kindness, generosity, love, peace and goodwill towards others. This holiday serves as a time to reconnect with the essence of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Beyond the material aspects, the primary purpose lies in fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting memories. Holidays play a pivotal role in well-being by offering a dedicated period for rest, rejuvenation, and social connection.
Meaningful interactions and shared experiences contribute to emotional well-being, providing a break from routine and a chance to recharge both mentally and emotionally. However, the hosts, cooks, carers, and main organisers, often don’t get a respite despite the festive atmosphere, this holiday season ensure that this special someone gets to sit down!
How To Manage Stress Levels Around Christmas
1. Set Realistic Expectations: One common source of stress during Christmas is the pressure to create a perfect holiday experience. It’s essential to set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones. Understand that not everything has to be flawless, and embracing imperfections can lead to a more enjoyable and stress-free celebration.
2. Manage Financial Stress: The financial strain of gift-giving, holiday decorations, and festive meals can contribute to stress and anxiety. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of extravagant spending, consider creating a budget and sticking to it. Thoughtful, meaningful gifts and shared experiences often hold more value than extravagant purchases.
3. Prioritise Self-Care: Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, don’t forget to prioritise self-care. Take time for yourself to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a leisurely walk, or practicing mindfulness exercises, self-care is essential for maintaining mental well-being.
4. Foster Meaningful Connections: While the holidays may revolve around gatherings, it’s important to prioritise quality over quantity when it comes to social interactions. Spend time with those who uplift and support you, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries with toxic relationships. Meaningful connections can contribute significantly to your mental health and overall well-being.
5. Embrace Healthy Habits: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your mental health. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay physically active, and nourish your body with nutritious foods. These habits can provide a strong foundation for emotional well-being, even during the holiday season.
6. Acknowledge and Manage Stress: Recognise the signs of stress and develop coping strategies to manage it effectively. Whether it’s through deep breathing exercises, meditation, or seeking support from friends and family, understanding and addressing stress is crucial for maintaining mental health.Try to take 10 minutes for yourself in daylight surrounded by nature. If the sun is shining, take off your glasses and look towards it. It will give you an energy boost.
7. Create Boundaries: It’s easy to become overwhelmed with social obligations and commitments during the holidays. Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Politely decline invitations or commitments that may contribute to stress and prioritise activities that align with your well-being.
8.Practice Gratitude: Amidst the chaos of the season, take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from stressors to the things you appreciate, fostering a more positive mindset.
Healthy Coping Skills During the Holidays
Navigating the holidays successfully involves adopting healthy coping skills. Consider incorporating the following into your holiday routine:
Time Management: Plan and prioritise tasks to avoid last-minute rushes, reducing stress and enhancing efficiency.
Mindful Practices: Engage in mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay present and reduce stress.
Setting Boundaries: Clearly communicate and establish boundaries to manage expectations and prevent overwhelm.
Gratitude Journaling: Reflect on positive aspects of your life to foster a sense of gratitude and perspective. Write 3 things you are grateful for before bed is a great way to get started.
Mindfulness & Awareness
1. Mindful Breathing: Sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process for a few minutes, focusing only on your breath.(tip: your exhalation should be longer, then your inhalation by 2 seconds, breathe in count to 4, pause, breathe out for 6)
2. Body Scan: Lie down on your back and close your eyes. Focus on each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head. Pay attention to anysensations or feelings you experience in each part of your body.
3. Mindful Observation: Choose an object in your environment and focus on it for a few minutes. Observe its shape, colour, texture, and other details. Try to notice things you might not have seen before.
4. Mindful Listening: Choose a piece of music or a sound in your environment and focus on it for a few minutes. Pay attention to the different sounds and how they interact with each other.
5. Mindful Walking: Take a walk and focus on your surroundings. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground.
6.Mindful Eating: Choose a piece of food and focus on it for a few minutes. Pay attention to the texture, taste, and smell of the food. Try to eat slowly and savoureach bite.
These Exercises can help you reduce Stress and Anxiety by developing awareness otherwise called mindfulness.
Strategies To Survive Stress At Christmas
Prioritisation: Focus on essential tasks and commitments, letting go of unnecessary expectations.
Delegate Responsibilities: Share tasks with family members or friends to lighten the load.
Self-Reflection: Assess your own stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms tailored to your needs.
Seeking Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for assistance or emotional support.
Self-care Tips
Amidst the hustle and bustle, prioritise self-care with these actionable tips:
Adequate Rest: Ensure sufficient sleep to support overall well-being.
Healthy Nutrition: Maintain balanced meals to nourish your body and mind.
Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise to reduce stress and boost mood.
Mindful Moments: Schedule moments of relaxation, whether through reading, nature walks, or meditation.
Embrace A Holistic Well-being approach this Christmas
Fostering well-being during the Christmas holidays requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the true purpose of these festive times, adopts healthy coping skills and prioritises self-care. By understanding and managing stressors, setting realistic expectations, and embracing self-care practices, we all can create a holiday experience that nurtures our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
The holidays are about joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
Well-being during the holidays involves healthy coping skills and self-care.
Identify and manage stressors, setting realistic expectations.
Survive stress by prioritising, delegating, self-reflecting, and seeking support.
Self-care tips: include adequate rest, healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and mindful moments.
"Special occasions come and go, but good health stays with you forever"
DIY Massage Therapy for Stress and Anxiety
Well-being At Your Fingertips
Give acupressure massage therapy a go when you start sensing stress and anxiety sneaking up! Have a crack at stimulating these acupressure points for instant anxiety and stress relief.
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For extra guidance on how to apply DIY Acupressure Massages have a peek at our useful tips here.
EXTRA POINTS
Third Eye Point / Seal Hall or Yintang - EX-2
This point is located between your eyebrows where your forehead and nose’s bridge meet, hence the name third eye. Massage this point with one-two fingers for 3-4 minutes. To get the best results, try and do this 2-3 times per day. Aside from increasing your focus and memory, it will also bring a calm and uplifting feeling.
GOVERNING VESSEL (DU MAI)
One Hundred Meeting Point or Bai Hui - GV20 (DU20)
Located at the highest point of the crown of your head. To find it, place a finger on the top of each ear and run your fingers up the sides of your head until they meet at the top of your head. Gently massage this point, working your way up to longer massages. This point also helps to alleviate dizziness, headache and clenched jaw.
EAR ACUPOINT
Spirit Gate or Shen Men
Find the top cartilages of your ear and then slide your finger down into the triangle-like hollow just below. The tip of that hollow is your heavenly gate point. Apply firm but gentle pressure in a circular motion for about two minutes.
LUNG MERIDIAN
Great Abyss or Tai Yuan - LU9
Turn your hand palm up and slightly spread your fingers. At the side of the wrist nearest the thumb, you should see a slight indent near the edge of the wrist. Gently massage this point in a slow, circular motion for about a minute before repeating on the other wrist. Stimulating this point helps to relieve some physical signs of anxiety such as heart palpitations.
*STOP - Are you pregnant? Do not use this point if you are as it can induce labour.
GALLBLADDER MERIDIAN
Shoulder Well or Jian jing - GB21
This point is located at the highest point of your shoulder muscles, directly above the nipples. To find it, pinch your shoulder muscles on each side with your middle fingers and thumbs. Apply gentle, firm pressure before releasing the pinch and massaging the point.
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