Mental health Festive stress
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Many people look forward to the festive period, but it can be stressful too. Here are a few ways to make sure you have a more peaceful Christmas this year
It may be a time of peace and goodwill, but the Christmas holiday can come with more than its fair share of pressure, especially for those who expect their festive season to be nothing less than perfect. All that shopping, baking, wrapping
presents, decorating, travelling and entertaining friends and relatives can be stressful. But there are things you can do to have a more relaxing, enjoyable time. First of all, set a date for when you’ll stop preparing for Christmas and start enjoying yourself. After all, while you may feel responsible for making everyone else’s Christmas wonderful and magical, it’s your holiday too. Next, try to start getting into the
habit of relaxing more, even if you only have a few moments to spare.
Ways to unwind Here are some of the things you could try that could help boost your mental health and make you feel calm, whatever Christmas and New Year may throw at you:
Take time out Try taking some time to relax or do something you enjoy that has no connection to Christmas whatsoever. Read a book, watch a film or listen to your favourite music, for instance.
Breathe deeply Try doing this simple breathing exercises to relax your body and your mind:
• Sit comfortably in the quietest place you can find.
• Inhale in through your nose counting up to five.
• Exhale through your mouth without pausing or holding your breath, again to a count of five.
• Continue for three to five minutes.
Relax your muscles If you have a little more time try a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing your muscles one at a time, and may help you relax deeply enough to reduce your stress levels.
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• Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable.
• Relax as much as possible, and try to feel the weight of your body sinking into the chair or into the ground. Try to let your mind go blank by concentrating on your breathing (just breathe normally).
• Work upwards, focusing on one main muscle area at a time. Starting with your feet, clench the muscles tightly and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat, and try to imagine warmth flowing into your feet. Then do the same with your other muscles, working from your feet up to your head – including your calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, jaw and the muscles in your face.
• When you’ve reached the top of your head, relax your entire body for a few minutes.
• Stand up slowly, then continue with your day.
Be more mindful According to the NHS, paying more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings and the world around you – a technique >
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