Tips for a stress free Xmas

So, as the 25th speeds towards us, are you prepared, spent all your cash on gifts and food, or are you in panic mode wondering how you are going to get everything done?  Then read on to my HANDY HINTS TO AVOID XMAS STRESS and learn how to get the most enjoyment out of the holiday season.

1. Plan ahead;  as far in advance as possible.  Make detailed lists so as not to forget things, delegate tasks to other family members, learn not to micro manage everything.
2. Shop online;  yes I know we have to protect our independent retailers and our high st generally, but this once, when the streets are packed to bursting, it's chucking it down outside, just this once, buy as much as you are comfortable with ONLINE.  If doing your Xmas food shop online reread point 1 and do this as far ahead as possible.
3. Christmas cards;  Do you really need to send all those cards out to folk you've not seen in years and never reply to you?  Do you need the added stress of stupidly expensive postage?  Do what I do; send only to family members and friends you have contact with who do not live locally.  Most of the people we see on a daily basis are on social media.  Tag them all into a single Christmas message on facebook, instagram or twitter.  Saves money, time and expense.
4. Learn to keep calm;  burn some incense or essential oil, play some relaxing tunes whilst you are preparing things, make it more fun.
5. Seating; If you are having someone over to dinner or tea whom you or other family member doesn't get on with, arrange seating so that they are as far apart as possible.  If no-one likes this person, is there a way you can avoid inviting them?  Remember, we are doing stress reduction eg YOURS!
6. Avoid prepping whilst drinking caffeine laden drinks, it will only make any stress worse.
7. Practice your breathing; learn to take slow, deep breaths, again this will aid in controlling your stress levels
8. Have an escape plan;  if all else fails and you are second away from ramming a chicken drum stick down great aunt petunia's throat, make an excuse to leave the room, say you are just going to call someone to wish them a happy holidays, popping out to check on a neighbour who is alone, be imaginative.  Even if it's just for 10 minutes of escape.
9. Make time for exercise; Again this will help reduce stress levels.  Go for a walk outside, walk the dog, go for a bike ride, jog, get outside and breathe in the fresh air, you'll feel much better afterwards.
10. Try not to hit the bottle too much;  it's tempting to neck it back in the hope of making out a situation, but not only may you say something you may regret later, you will feel like crap the next morning.
11. Finally, try and have fun and enjoy it all.  It's only once a year after all and thankfully not everyday if Roy Wood would have his way.
12. Before I forget, finally, finally.....get an invite to someone else's house and let them have all the worry :)

Til next week, good health to you.

For any enquiries, email Michael at synergy_therapies@icloud.com