As much as this holiday season is often a joyful one, there’s no denying it can also be quite stressful and you can really start to feel the pressure.

So today we’re sharing some tips on how to go into this season more mindfully and so you can hopefully have a calmer, more enjoyable Christmas and New Year!

Get organised

One thing that can be a real subject of stress is present shopping and organising for the big day. Make a list, stick to it and try to shop early (or try and compile your ideas early and buy when you can). By taking off that pressure, you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

You don’t have to do it all

Anyone else get a serious case of FOMO this time of year? There’s a load going on, so many things you could be doing and more sales than you can count… take a moment to step back, refocus and work out what you truly want. Try not to get overwhelmed and swept away with the hype and look at what’s really important to you – you don’t have to try and do it all.

“Taking long deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed will help to bring you back to a place of calm,” says Stephanie Wild, Founder of Lunar & Wild.

Make time for you

Are you finding that your weekends are busier than ever with plans with family and friends? Don’t forget to schedule in some time for you, for some self care and time just to decompress. This could include taking a nature walk, meditation, yoga, having a bath or reading… you’ll thank yourself for it!

This also means setting healthy boundaries. “Don’t be afraid to say no to things you don’t want to do in the lead up to Christmas,” says Stephanie Wild, Founder of Lunar & Wild. Don’t forget to prioritise yourself and your own wellbeing.

Zara Kenyon, Wellness Editor at Cannaray CBD Says: “The festive season can oftentimes increase our desire to people-please, especially when it comes to our friends and family, but constantly making others happy before yourself can be exhausting.

Review the boundaries you have within your relationships, and reinforce those that need it. These boundaries could be around things like communication, budgets, and the amount of time you need alone during this time. You want to surround yourself with people who fill you up rather than drain your battery, and let them share some of your load. A problem shared is a problem halved, after all.”

Plan fun activities

Whether it’s visiting a Christmas market or even seeing the lights, put together some plans to get involved with events going on around you, if that’s your thing. There are plenty of free holiday season events, as well as ticketed activities like Winter Wonderland. It doesn’t have to cost the earth… but it could be a nice way to spend time with friends and family and make some memories.

Practice mindful eating

There are many delicious goodies to eat over the Christmas period… it can be easy to overindulge, and you don’t always feel too great afterwards. Try slowing down and appreciate what you’re eating. After all, there’s no need to rush! Pay attention to your hunger cues and make food your main focus – get rid of the background noise and enjoy your meal.

“Eating mindfully is so important and being a gut health specialist I can testify that this step can be a huge help in resolving digestive discomfort for many of my clients. Eating too quickly or on the go sabotages digestion which can lead to overeating and feeling hungry soon after meals.

 Slowing down, and stimulating digestive enzymes with the power of thought, sight and smell of our food can increase gastric juices by 30%. That means more digestive power, more stimulation, more satiety and less snacking.

When we eat mindfully we allow time for the message to be sent back to the brain to tell us when we are full! These are just some of the principles that are part of my Eat Better Feel Better online, healthy eating programme which starts in January. Come along and join us to get 2023 off to getting healthy eating habits and choices in place,” says Registered Nutritionist Evie Whitehead.

Keep up your routine

It can be easy to lose track of your normal routine over the holiday season, but trying to keep your routine will help you in the long run. Try to keep your usual bedtime routine, otherwise you may end up feeling groggy and don’t neglect those healthy habits like exercise and eating the rainbow.

Ultimately Christmas is for you to enjoy too….so do what you need to do to get some enjoyment, rest and relaxation. Prioritise your wellbeing and everyone will benefit!