Make time for the most important person – yourself!

We tell ourselves every year that we won’t let Christmas stress us out and that we will be more organised! Then all of a sudden it creeps up on us, and the stress levels start to go up.

The festive season presents a dizzying array of demands – parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. It is no wonder that we get stressed and exhaust ourselves. Plus, the thought of spending time with certain family members can send the best of us over the edge.

When it all starts to get too much and you feel yourself getting anxious it is time to take a breather. It is vital to make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

It is all about getting your priorities right (you are the priority) and booking time-out into your busy day.  To sit (or lie) and relax, meditate, breathe deeply or practice a few yoga poses, will make a massive difference to your mental wellbeing. Taking time to re-balance and rest helps to take your mind and body out of the flight-or-fight-mode and put them into rest-and-digest-mode which allows you to be more present and in control.

Gift yourself this Christmas with some self-love and ‘you time’.