Christmas is just around the corner, which means extra pressure on top of the usual everyday stresses that many of us face. It’s a time for celebration but also exhaustion, with a whirlwind of social events and family commitments to add to your already bursting schedule. An article published a few years ago talked about how stress affects sleep in up to 75% of Kiwi women, revealing that most women worry about finances and relationships. Both money and family influence heavily at this time of year, which can make it challenging for many.
Use some of these tools, and your Christmas season can be just as merry as you’d like it to be. These are our top tips to help reduce the stress around Christmas. Read on and start feeling excited rather than overwhelmed…
1. Chill out for a while
Stop, breathe, and delegate! There’s no need to do it all yourself; you’ll just end up feeling tired and fatigued. Be sure to include some “me” time every day. It might be breathing exercises, between errands, meditation, or yoga, walking the dog, or simply sitting in the garden with a nice cool drink. The point is to take some time for you…
2. Laugh and have fun
In the mad panic leading up to Christmas it’s all too easy to forget what the season is all about – celebration and FUN! Traditionally, Christmas was not so focused on the commercial aspect of buying copious amounts of presents, but rather on enjoying celebrations with loved ones. Focus your energy on enjoying the people around you, that’s the point after all.
3. Watch your energy
It’s Christmas – you’re allowed to feel tired but remember to listen to your body. For most people their energy is strongest in the morning and starts to decrease around 3-4pm, this is a result of the body’s natural hormonal sleep and wake cycle. However, tiredness becomes a problem when we rely on false energy. Fixes like caffeine, which produce sharp boosts of cortisol and adrenaline cause highs and lows of energy, depleting the adrenal glands over time. Luckily, there’s a reasonably easy fix: have your coffee, but perhaps just one! Alternatively, you can swap it out for green tea, which is not as stimulating and has the bonus of containing the naturally calming amino acid, L-theanine.
Create sustainable energy by making good food choices. Avoid sugary treats and choose wholefoods as snacks. You don’t have to skip all the treats you like, but just make some healthier choices and this will enable your body to cope better with Christmas indulgences.
4. Take a break every 90 minutes
Your body has a 24-hour clock called the ultradian cycle, and for this cycle to work at its best you need to take a break every 90 minutes. You can’t maintain high energy levels if you don’t calm down regularly. You’re probably aware that chronic stress depletes your energy levels. Magnesium and B vitamins are key supplements for supporting you through the festive season. Try adding these supplements to your wellness plan now.
5. Check in on your general health
If you find that you lack motivation or don’t enjoy the festive season like you once did, it may be because you’re lacking energy in general, not that you’re over Christmas. You’re not supposed to feel tired all the time, so seeing your doctor for a blood test is a good starting point. They can check for things like an iron, B12, or folate deficiency, or low thyroid function. Other causes of long-term tiredness can also be caused by food sensitivities.
6. Check in on your mood
Low mood or excessive worry can also be higher around Christmas, especially if you have difficult family relationships or are spending Christmas alone. Think about adding a supplement containing 5HTP to your daily mix – it is a precursor to serotonin, supporting healthy serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a feel-good brain chemical. Low levels have been linked to mood, premenstrual imbalances, stress, nervous tension, poor sleeping patterns and carbohydrate cravings. 5HTP supports the production of serotonin.
The tips above can help you to feel a little merrier this Christmas. Listen to your body; surround yourself with a good support system and most importantly, try not to take the silly season too seriously.
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FAQs
What are some common sources of stress during the Christmas season?
Common sources of stress during the Christmas season often include the pressure to find the perfect gifts, financial strain from holiday spending, juggling family and social obligations, dealing with increased traffic and crowds, and the expectation of creating a picture-perfect holiday experience.
Are there any other strategies to support mood while preparing for Christmas?
Yes, there are other strategies to support your mood while preparing for Christmas. These include setting realistic expectations, delegating tasks, seeking support from loved ones, and recognising when it’s essential to say no to certain commitments. Many of the nutrients only found in meat, seafood, and organs are associated with emotional health. Studies show that not eating enough meat and not getting enough sunlight can lead to poorer mental health outcomes, so eating an animal-based diet and getting safe sunlight exposure, especially at sunrise, may support your mood as you head into a stressful time.
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