The festive season can be a wonderful time of year, but it can also be challenging. Even if we’re looking forward to it, the added social events, disrupted routines, whose parents do you visit this year? Loved ones lost or far away can leave us feeling stressed.
Here are my top tips for giving the best gift this Christmas: time, time for yourself and time for others. Taking a few conscious steps can make a big difference to your mental and physical well-being. Making it pleasurable over bearable.
Keep Your Routine (as much as possible)
For me, one of the hardest things during the holidays is missing out on my regular routine. Gyms, sports clubs, and other usual activities often close over the festive period. If you normally go to the gym or have a regular run, try to keep it up. Incorporate some home workouts, or take a morning walk. Even a short 20-minute session can help you feel grounded and energised.
Even better, invite a friend along! Grab a flask of hot cacoa (Dirtea do a fab one) , go for a walk in the park, or take an early morning trip around a local reservoir. It’s a simple way to stay connected to yourself and maintain a sense of stability. Great in the morning as the sun comes up, sets the tone for the day.
Manage Stress Around Social Situations
Holiday gatherings aren’t always easy. You may feel anxiety about food prep, hosting, or spending time with people you don’t always see. If visiting, before you go, try a quick five-minute breathing exercise or do some box breathing in the car. If they are visiting you, light a nan essential oil candle and do a five-minute meditation and another when they leave. These small pauses can really help prevent tension from building up and holding on to it.
Setting boundaries is key. If you have a family or friends group chat, suggest “no-go topics” for conversation, or agree that it’s okay to take a short breather if tensions rise. You could even set up a quiet space at home with a candle and a book, or some inspirational quotation cards somewhere for people to recharge, away from the noise. Planning these little moments ahead of time can make the season far more enjoyable.
Take a Social Media Break
Consider taking a 24–48-hour break from social media. No one will miss you, and it can be liberating. Remember, social media is rarely an accurate reflection of reality; it’s a highly filtered slice of someone’s life.
Support Your Body with Supplements
Stress can and does deplete essential nutrients like magnesium, which can make stress worse and create a vicious cycle. I always make sure to keep on top of my magnesium intake during the festive season.
There’s even a child-friendly version, perfect for kids who may also be overstimulated, which ones won't be?. You can open the capsules and sprinkle them over cereal or add to a smoothie. It helps promote emotional balance and supports good sleep for children aged 5–14, especially when their routine is disrupted and sugar intake is high. Keeping everyone supported ensures the whole household stays calmer and happier.
A little preparation and self-care can make a huge difference. Remember, when we’re supported, we can support others too. Give yourself permission to prioritise your well-being this festive season, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. A mindful, stress-free holiday is within reach when we plan, breathe, and take care of ourselves along the way. Now, is it too early for a mince pie? Just asking for a friend.
