Christmas is fast approaching, and 2020 nearing a close. For many, the festive season is a time of giving, spending time with loved ones and enjoying delicious feasts. During this time, we often get caught up in the hype and can easily forget
the importance of caring for ourselves. Below are some tips for self-care this festive season.

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment. It’s about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings and sensations in our body. It can be great to help us identify when the pressure of the holidays is getting too much. We quickly
find ourselves in the pattern of going from one task to the next, and easily feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Try and incorporate mindfulness this Christmas. Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Notice any tension in your body
(most of us hold tension in our shoulders, upper back, neck or jaw). Are you feeling tired and worn out? Or are you feeling
relaxed and balanced? Unless we are in the habit of checking in with ourselves regularly, we may not notice the signs of stress.

Breathing:

Focus on your breathing. When we are stressed, our breathing tends to become shallow. Practice taking slow and steady breaths by inhaling through your nose for four seconds, holding that breath for two seconds, and exhaling through the mouth for six seconds

Just five minutes:

When you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed by a situation, take five minutes away from the task at hand to engage in a relaxing activity. This can include going outside and sitting in your garden, spending time with your pet, doing some gentle stretching, making a cup of tea/coffee, dancing to your favourite song, calling a friend, or watching a funny clip on YouTube.
The options are endless.

Exercise:

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and produce endorphins (mood enhancing chemicals in the brain). Going for a walk can be a great way to escape and can help to clear your mind of any worries.

Do something creative:

Being creative can be enjoyable as well as relaxing. Try making your own Christmas cards or ornaments.

Drink plenty of water:

Water helps to keep you hydrated, increases energy levels and relieves fatigue. Challenge yourself to see how much water you can drink in a day.