Christmas is a time for celebration, families, good food and, sadly, soaring stress levels. High expectations and pressure to make everything extra special can mean that, for some, Christmas is more manic than magic. Here, three experts reveal how we can make Christmas as stress-free as possible…
Reframe expectations
This year, more than any other, it’s going to be essential not to get too hung up on our expectations of a perfect Christmas. After all, there’s been a lot of things in 2020 that we’ve not been able to control!
‘Even at the best of times, the expectation surrounding Christmas can make it stressful,’ says Neil. ‘This year it’s going to be even harder, so the only way to deal with it is to reframe those expectations. Don’t worry about the things you can’t control or change, and instead concentrate on making what you can control as amazing as it can be.
‘By adapting to appreciate what we have been given the liberty to do rather than mourn what we’ve lost, we’ll find ourselves much less stressed.’
Make a ‘done’ list
If you obsess over the things you have to do, make a ‘done’ list instead of a ‘to-do’ list, suggests Chloe. ‘List all the tasks you’ve completed, whether it’s just taking the bins out or writing the Christmas cards, then celebrate your achievement and give yourself credit for it.’
This approach allows you to see the wood for the trees. It’s about celebrating the small wins and not overburdening ourselves with a never-ending list of tasks.
Meet our experts
Neil Shah, Chief De-stressing Officer for the Stress Management Society (stress.org.uk)
Chloe Brotheridge, hypnotherapist and coach (calmer-you.com) and author of Brave New Girl
Esta historia es de la edición December 07 - 14, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 07 - 14, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
A BAD ROMANCE
From drink and drugs to affairs and arrests, these famous ladies can't resist striking up with a bona fide rebel
'I DON'T SUFFER FOOLS GLADLY'
Dame Joan Collins on success, dealing with rejection and what's next for her
SUNSETS AND SOUKS
Head to Morocco's boho seaside town of Essaouira for an easy, breezy break in cinematic surroundings
Help! MY HUBBY'S HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Julie Cook's husband has gone from a calm, classically dressed gent to a leather-clad, zip wiring thrill chaser!
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A POLICE DETECTIVE
Crime dramas like Happy Valley make for gripping TV, but how close are they to reality? DCI Fiona Wynne of North Yorkshire Police reveals all...
MY NEIGHBOUR TO BURN ME ALIVE
Faced with an inferno, Laura Wiggins, 53, only had only one option
HELD HOSTAGE BY MY EX
Rhianon Bragg is living in fear after the ex-partner who terrorised her was released from prison
SALON NAILS at home
Nail a DIY manicure with our easy and affordable step-by-step guide
YOUR SPEEDY SHAPE-UP
Put off your new season slimdown and now in a panic? This clever plan promises fast results
ARE YOU TOO STRESSED TO SLEEP?
Avoid restless nights with these calming tips to help you nod off