Look after yourself – a stress-free Christmas (From This Is Local London)

Look after yourself – a stress-free Christmas

3:33pm Tuesday 13th November 2007 in

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Keeping your calm while all around are losing theirs is one thing, but keeping your calm when you're the only one with good reason to be stressed is quite another.

If the responsibility for laying on Christmas - not just for your family, but for others too - is put squarely at your door, then draw up some tactics to make sure you don't go under.

Unfortunately Christmas is the time of year when many people get so wrapped up in what they're doing' that they lose all perspective of what the season should really be about.

Worries, plans, obligations, excesses, the need to please and heightened expectations all take their toll. Big time.

Millions of people suffer, often silently, from overwhelming stress through the Christmas period.

So now is a good time to remind yourself to take care of your self, and lay down a few rules for yourself and your family.

1) Don't ignore stress - it is a useful warning sign.

Don't just go with the white knuckle ride that Christmas can become. Use moments when you become aware of getting stressy as a signal to stop and ask yourself: "What is making this difficult?"

If you start thinking that it's you who has to do everything and it's you who is responsible for delivering a perfect' Christmas then you don't stand a chance of success. Everybody needs to play their part, so spell it out in very clear terms what is expected of everyone in the house.

Delegate tasks such as bed-making, rubbish bin emptying, veg preparation, spud peeling, shopping, toilet cleaning, dusting and vacuuming. Make a master plan of what needs to happen when, and who's going to be doing each particular task ... and make sure they stick to it.

If you see trouble brewing head it off and give it the boot.

2) Live the moment. Even though you need to plan ahead, it's also important to focus on what you're doing at that moment. Leave time for sitting down, playing games, watching TV, enjoying your presents, and be fully attentive to it.

Each time you live for the moment it reduces the feeling of being on a treadmill, always trying to keep moving to keep up.

Even if you're doing something mundane such as queueing in the checkout at the supermarket, don't consider it a waste of time, just accept that that is what you are doing at that very moment, and either have a chat with those in the same boat as you or use the down' time for some thinking or just plain old nosey people watching, which can be just as therapeutic in its own way.

If you are putting up the deccies or dressing the tree, enjoy that for what it is and not for a task that needs to be done so you can move on to the next task. There is a freedom in simply doing what you are doing when you are doing it. Surrender to the moment and regain your present -- in fact, that's the best present you will receive this Christmas.

3) Bring personal meaning to everything you do. Throughout Christmas you can easily lose yourself in doing things'. Yet there is a powerful spirit at Christmas time wanting to touch us all. This spirit is not found in doing' or in things', the spirit is in bringing meaning to your actions.

You will achieve a reall sense of power if you can connect yourself to your personal vision, your dream for Christmas, and here's how to do it.

Think of your key word. It could be love, family, gratitude, celebration, giving, helping, peace. Choose the word that inspires you. Write it on a piece of paper and tape it on your mirror.

Live your word this Christmas and bring it into everything you do. When you find yourself or your emotions moving away from your chosen word, that's when you need to call "Time out" and refocus.

Don't ignore your physical needs, either. Allow yourself time to unwind with fresh air, good walks, and tasty, healthy food.

TOP TIPS

• Have a bath. Make sure you have a soft, fluffy bath towel to hand. Use a heated towel rail to warm it. This will make you feel nice and pampered after your bath.

• A good bath pillow will help you relax while soaking in the bath.

• Create a soothing and relaxing environment in the bathroom by using tea lights and scented candles - enjoy the peace.

• Spoil yourself with luxurious, fragrant soaps and bath oils.

• Turn off the phone and switch off the answering machine, your mobile and anything else that can disturb you.

• Play some calming music that will help you relax better but don't take an electric player into the bathroom.

If you're on the move

Travelling takes its toll on body and mind, so if you're doing a lot of to-ing and fro-ing follow these tips.

• Eat regularly, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples refresh, bananas fortify, unsalted peanuts and dried apricots taste great, and they all have the nutrients that are necessary for your body to help keep you alert and active without feeling bloated, as crisps or biscuits might.

• Avoid alcohol and aerated drinks. No alcohol at all, if you're driving, but even as a passenger alcohol will make you feel thirsty and drowsy. Don't eat food that is high in salt content, as they will result in swollen ankles and feet.

• If you're travelling abroad for a winter holiday, ski break or simply visiting, jet lag can result in dehydration, fatigue and hunger. Try to keep your meal timing constant and eat as little as possible after dark. During your journey eat small portions and eat slowly.

• No matter how you are travelling, ensure that you use a pillow to support your neck. Use a washable pillowcase that is soft, so that your skin does not get creased.

• A sleep mask on the journey will be helpful. Some contain soothing herbs that will reduce puffiness and some have a cooling effect. Using these will ensure that you look better after a long trip.

• If you can sleep during your journey, use a little eye cream under your eyes and a small amount of light night cream. This will ensure that your skin is refreshed and relaxed when you wake up.

Graham Harris