Relieving Stress At This Busy Time of Year

Author: Carrie Wallis Dec 2016

2.4k Facebook likes

Do you find yourself stressed out at this time of year? Too much to do too little time to do it in? Wanting it all to be perfect?
Christmas can be a pressure cooker of stress.

Find out how to relieve some of that pressure with these stress-busting tips...

​Are you trying to live up to unrealistic expectations of what Christmas "should" be like?

Are you constantly thinking about how Christmas's in the past were so perfect? 
For many, this time of year can be a nightmare. Stress levels soar, blood pressure rises, you feel like you will never get through it in one piece. Does this sound like you? Is it all going too quickly? 

Follow these tips and let yourself enjoy this festive season. Implement these actions regularly and find yourself more relaxed, refreshed, and ready for life in the New Year.

We can not always control everything that happens to us, but we can always control how we chose to react.

The truth is, the only moment we have for sure, is ‘this’ moment, right now. So instead of fretting about what has passed or what may or may not happen in the future. Instead of worrying and panicking about how "perfect" or otherwise Christmas Day may be; Try putting your focus on right now and work to enjoy this moment. You may find that not only do your stress levels decrease but that you may gain enjoyment and pleasure from things you never even noticed before.

To help you step into the NOW today... I want to share 3 powerful tips for absorbing and enjoying the present moment. I encourage you to implement at least 1 of them this week :)

Tip 1. Become aware - If you catch yourself complaining or overanalyzing, stop and shift your perspective into the NOW by focusing on your surroundings or whatever it is that you’re doing. 

If you're stuck in Christmas traffic or the queue for a car park, take advantage of this time to connect with what’s happening around you.

First, start by becoming aware of your breathing pattern and then notice the wind, the sun, people passing by, and the different smells and sounds. 

Tip 2. Focus your attention - If you’re talking to a friend, eating, or even working, try not to engage in other activities like talking on the phone or checking your emails.

Put all your concentration into one thing at a time. Dedicate your full attention to whatever you're doing at that moment and don’t let your mind wander. Focus your attention on the NOW and be the best you can be in that single moment. 

Tip 3. Forget about the past and future - If you spend your life reliving the past or worrying about the future, you will be missing out on life itself. 

So next time you notice your mind wandering off to worry or to engage in anxious thoughts, don’t judge yourself or force your thoughts. Rather acknowledge them, allow them to leave naturally, and remind yourself to come back to the present moment. 

Time passes by quickly, Christmas is but one day, so make sure you enjoy every single moment and really experience the joy of living.

And don’t forget to practice!

Remember that consistency is the only way to form a new habit, so start enjoying the present moment right away :)