Keeping Calm at Christmas
If kids could write a Christmas tune of their own, without all the hype, social pressure and ads, they’d be echoing Mariah Carey because all they want for Christmas is you. Trite as it sounds, your presence matters more than your presents, and you can’t be present when you’re stressed or rushing about, so focusing on finding a spot of inner calm will be the gift you and your child need.
8 Things to Help That Don’t Need Loads of Time
It’s a busy season, so here are 8 things you can do that are quick, easy and free!
Breathe consciously
Take a break to breathe deeply. 🎁Imagine a Christmas present. Breathe slowly in as you trace up one side, then hold for 4 counts as you trace the top, breathe out slowly as you trace down the other side, and hold for 4 counts as you trace the bottom of the box. Repeat until you feel your stress hormones hop on Santa’s sleigh and ride away.
Make decisions for now
Indecision can be incredibly draining and uses a lot of head space. Write a list of all the decisions you need to make and set aside time to make them. Tell your inner elves, Catastrophising Charlie & Perfectionist Patty, to pipe down and Festive Freya & Fun Freddie to bring it on!
Take things off your to-do list
We can get mired in doing the same Christmas traditions, and sometimes what we are doing isn’t serving us that well. Analyse your tasks to determine what is essential and what can go, so you have time to look after yourself.
Exercise
Christmas might play havoc with your exercise routine, but as nothing beats dancing for cardio, it’s time to get rocking around that Christmas tree to get that heart rate up and release stress. Kids love it, and if you lift them a few times, you’re strength training too!
listen to yourself
Meditating or sitting quietly thinking or accessing your thoughts by talking to someone who can give you their full uninterrupted attention is a great way to recalibrate. Just 10 minutes a day of self-listening will help to connect you to how you feel and to make priorities. Resentment, guilt, stress, and irritation are sure signs that you need time to focus inwards, so don’t dismiss them. If you notice your self-talk is unkind, let those thoughts float away and aim for a reframe. *
Ask for help
Don’t assume that no one has time to help you, that they won’t want to, or that you should be able to do things independently. People tend to be in different places at different times and often have the capacity to lend a hand when you need it, so don’t be afraid to ask. Santa won’t put you on the naughty list for needing a hand.
Notice the good things you’re doing.
Make yourself your very own star chart! Add a star a day for doing something for you. Did you pause and take some slow, deep breaths? Did you work up a mild sweat by dancing in the kitchen? Did you say something kind to yourself? Take note of the positive steps you have taken to look after yourself.
Experiment
Aiming to get everything right the first time is a total killjoy. Tell yourself you’re going to experiment and see how you get on. With this mindset, you’ll notice your ability to try new things without beating yourself up if they go a little pear-shaped. Maybe next year, you won’t microwave the potatoes in a foil container, but at least you’ve got a story to tell…
*If you aren’t able to reframe negative thoughts, that’s not unusual and simply means you need a little help. Feeling more confident and shifting self-doubt is one of the key things I help parents with, so please book an Ignite Change session to learn more about how I can help you.
