Christmas Self-Care: How to keep from going crazy during the festive season

Christmas and the festive season can be the most hectic time of the year. We have more social engagements than usual, catching up with friends, Christmas parties and functions, plus the organisation for our own Christmas celebrations. There’s shopping for food and presents, gift wrapping, menu planning and cooking to be done, and all by the big deadline of Christmas Day. So, how do you avoid a meltdown with all that, plus your usual responsibilities on top of it all? And how do you keep a semblance of health with all the parties and feasting and drinking?

Here are a few simple tips to help you get through:

1. Don’t feel obligated to go to everything. If you feel overwhelmed because your schedule is jam-packed full of social events, take a look at what you have on and prioritise. Perhaps it means disappointing someone, but it might just be necessary in order to care for yourself. Or if you can’t eliminate anything, perhaps just commit to going for a shorter time so you can still get to bed at a reasonable hour. Getting enough sleep is extremely helpful during extra busy or stressful periods.

2. Limit the alcohol and sugar intake. This is an undeniably indulgent time of the year, which can be lovely, but the enjoyment of the season can be spoiled by overindulgence. Whether it’s the hangover, the guilt about ditching your normally good health choices, or the feeling ill after too much rich or sugary food, it can certainly put a damper on things. So do enjoy the treats of the season, but in moderation, with plenty of water and green vegetables still making an appearance too.

3. Take time out. Seem impossible? Even 10 minutes can make a big difference. Stop and take 20 long, slow breaths; go outside for a cup of tea; go for a walk around the block – whatever it is, it will help you unplug from everything else and reset.

4. Hydrate. Warmer weather plus increased alcohol intake during the silly season can contribute to dehydration. Don’t wait for the dehydration headache to kick in before doing something. Keep a glass of water on your desk, carry a bottle of water with you when you’re out and about, and sip during the day. As mentioned in my previous blog, dehydration can contribute to fatigue, which is the last thing we want at such a busy time.

5. Write it out. If you’re having trouble switching off at night due to incessant thoughts crowding into your head, get a piece of paper and write it all out. (Paper is better than a computer here as the back lighting messes with the whole switching off so you can sleep thing). Even just 10 minutes of writing everything that’s on your mind, not worrying about spelling or grammar, may help a lot.

This article is for information purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for further information.