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We all know that Christmas can be a magical time, full of festivities, love and celebration. But with that also comes a lot of pressure with the never-ending to-do lists and the jam-packed social calendars. While the festive season is supposed to be about relaxing and connecting, sometimes it feels like the total opposite. Juggling gift shopping, cooking for everyone and trying to make everything “perfect” can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed rather than excited. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By making a few simple wellbeing tweaks to your lifestyle in the lead-up to Christmas, you can create a more relaxed, balanced holiday season.
We spoke to Jessica May – a Nutritionist, Pilates Instructor and Retreat Host – to help us discover a few simple tweaks that can reduce stress and let you focus on what really matters. Ready to give it a try? Here are seven habits to implement this Christmas that could help you stay grounded throughout the festive frenzy…
1. Start Your Day With A Bit Of Breathwork
“One of the simplest but most effective ways to reduce stress is by focusing on your breath,” advises May. Research has shown that intentional breathing – taking slow, deep breaths – can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and mind. You might want to try a 5-minute breathing exercise each morning to set the tone for a more peaceful and relaxing Christmas.
In fact, studies suggest that deep breathing can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, which tends to spike during busy periods like Christmas. You could start with something as simple as inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6. Pair with our Wellbeing Pod Diffuser and Moment of Calm Essential Oil Blend to really ramp up those relaxation vibes.
2. Make Time For Movement… But Keep It Fun
Staying active over Christmas doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours. “Movement can be a great stress reliever and during busy periods, it’s important to keep it light and enjoyable,” May suggests. You might want to try activities that don’t feel like a workout, like taking the dog out for a festive walk with friends, fitting in a quick yoga session in the morning or even a mini dance party while decorating the tree!
Movement helps release endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, which can naturally lift your mood. So, keep things fun and move in a way that makes you happy, rather than adding more pressure to an already packed schedule.
3. Embrace The Power Of Saying ‘No’
The festive season often brings a lot of invitations – from work Christmas parties to friendship group get-togethers. While it’s tempting to say yes to everything, it’s also okay to say no. “Protecting your personal time is crucial for maintaining your wellbeing and it’s important to remember that you don’t need to be everywhere at once,” says May.
If you’re someone who runs out of social steam easily, you might want to try setting clear boundaries for a calming Christmas this year. Think about what’s really important to you and give yourself permission to skip events that don’t align with that.
4. Create A Calming Bedtime Routine
“Don’t underestimate the power of sleep,” advises May. “Getting 8 hours of sleep a night and getting adequate deep sleep helps the body to naturally reduce cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress – providing a much-needed reset. Not only that but sleep enhances mood by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for maintaining a positive emotional state.”
To help you sleep better, May recommends creating a calming bedtime routine to help you unwind and relax. Fill your bath with the calming aroma of lavender with our Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Bath Milk and spritz your bedsheets with Bedtime Hero Pillow Mist. When it comes to creating a calming bedtime routine, we’ve got you covered.
5. Practise Gratitude Daily
In the whirlwind of Christmas, it’s easy to focus on what’s left to do rather than all the little moments of joy happening around you. “Practising gratitude can shift your perspective and help you feel more positive.”
“At the end of each evening, why not take 5-minutes to write down three things you’ve been grateful for that day?” suggests May. It could be as simple as you enjoyed your morning brew or watching a film with a friend. Taking note of these pockets of positivity can help you feel less overwhelmed and help you to enjoy the little moments throughout the day - perfect to help you have a more relaxing Christmas.
6. Dedicate Daily “Me Time”
The festive period can get chaotic, which makes it even more important to set aside time for yourself. “Dedicate a non-negotiable 10 minutes each day, either in the morning or before bedtime to do something for yourself,” suggests May. “This essential ‘me time’ will help you feel more grounded, reduce stress and prepare you to navigate through demanding and hectic times with greater ease.”
For the ultimate calming Christmas moment, why not light a candle at the same time? Choose your favourite scent blend to set the mood as you read a book or listen to some music away from everything else that's happening over the break.
7. Manage Your Expectations
Every year we say we’re going to take it easy on ourselves this Christmas, and every year we fail. Because Christmas comes with high expectations – perfect meals, perfect gifts, perfect family moments. But let’s face it: nothing is ever perfect, and that’s okay. You might want to manage your expectations this year by focusing on the experiences that bring you joy rather than striving for perfection.
By letting go of the idea of a “perfect” Christmas, you could end up having a much more enjoyable one!
Enjoy A Calming Christmas With NEOM Wellbeing
Christmas and stress are no longer allowed to be together. Instead, enjoy a relaxing Christmas break with your favourite fragrances and helpful advice from the NEOM team.
Want to get ahead of Christmas planning? Check out The Super Sweet Guide To Gifting Wellbeing This Christmas | How To Scent Your Home This Christmas | 10 Simple Steps You Can Take To Make Your Christmas A Little More Sustainable