Looking After You This Christmas by Sheena Macleod

Looking After ‘You’ This Christmas

by Sheena Macleod

12 Tips for Christmas

There is no doubt that for many, Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. But, if you are anything like me, all the hard work and worry leading up to Christmas Day itself can be stressful and exhausting. After the festivities are over, do you find yourself saying ‘never again’ and then doing the same things over again the following year? If so, you are not alone. With so much to do in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself, it can be hard to fit everything into an already full schedule. From shopping for those ‘perfect’ gifts, buying everything for Christmas dinner and planning the table and tree decorations, all the while balancing your budget, it can be an extremely busy time. With the festive period looming again, it is awfully easy to push yourself too hard to get everything done with the promise that you will take it easy once it is all over. Don’t bear the brunt of festive burnout. Instead, try to step back and incorporate some self-care time for you into your plans. Here are twelve ideas to help you jingle all the way through the festivities.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Self-Care

1. Plan ahead – Review your to-do list and prioritise. Can you leave anything out? If so, delete them. There’s nothing worse than having tasks to do that really don’t matter. Try not to over plan things. Say no to those things that are unnecessary or too much for you to take on.

2. Make a self-care box of things for you to use and enjoy over the festive period –The items you put in your box don’t have to be expensive but should include things that bring you joy. Add little pamper gifts to the box throughout December, such as:- sachets of hot chocolate with candy canes to stir with, a festive themed face mask, yummy gingerbreads, spice-scented sachets of moisturising hand and foot cream or a pine scented bath bomb. You get the idea. You may have some things to hand already. Pop them in your box and look forward to pampering yourself with them.

3. Take time out. Go for a walk – In nature, if possible. Enjoy the fresh air. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of your surroundings and relax away from it all for a bit. Try to do this every day, if you can. Even twenty minutes out walking in a park or woodland can help clear your head. Perhaps you can gather some pine cones to decorate with glitter. You might even find a holly bush filled with ripe, red berries or spot a red-breasted robin.

4. Read, read, read – Christmas-based stories are very popular, particularly Cozy Mysteries. Like a good Christmas movie reading can leave you feeling relaxed and help keep things balanced.

Cosy up with a good book, whatever your reading preference. Reading last thing at night before you go to sleep can clear your mind of everything that still has to be done on your to-do list and help you drift off to sleep. 5. Eat healthy meals – Give your body the nutrition it needs to keep going. In the days leading up to

Christmas it is easy to overindulge. It is also easy to miss meals and just grab a snack when you are busy, thinking that you don’t have time. Try not to skip meals. Aim to eat regularly and well.

After all, you are the one who is helping to bring the magic of Christmas together for others.

6. Watch a Christmas movie – There is nothing quite like taking the time to sit down with family or alone and watch a Christmas movie to give you that feel-good factor and get you in the mood for Christmas. Curl up on the sofa with a warm blanket and some plump cushions. You might also want to enjoy the hot chocolate from your pamper box (see item 2)

7. Laugh, laugh, laugh – After all, it is meant to be the season to be jolly. Laugh and smile, even if you don’t particularly feel like it. Take a deep

breath and try to see the funny side of things. Perhaps take in a Christmas pantomime or comedy show and give vent to a few ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’s’. There are many known psychological and physical benefits of laughter. And, best of all, it’s free.

8. Get plenty of rest and sleep – Give yourself permission to take a break when you need to. Also try to get good quality sleep. While it can be tempting to stay up to finish some of these jobs on your to-do list, try not to. You can always make a fresh start in the morning. 9. Listen to some Christmas music – There is no

shortage of popular Christmas songs to listen to. Singing, dancing or doing tasks along to them is even better for lifting your mood. So, turn up your music maker and get rocking around the Christmas tree.

10. Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated will help you keep your energy levels up as well as making you feel better. 11. Check through your to-do list again – Get others involved in some of the outstanding tasks on your list. Share the festive love. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Find out what others can do and then delegate. 12. Stay Calm – Santa may well be coming to town, but remind yourself regularly that it is only for one day. A day that you deserve to enjoy as well as everyone else.

Have a very merry Christmas and be good to yourself.

Sheena Macleod gained a PhD in Mental Health Nursing and an MSc in Advanced Mental Health Practice from the University of Dundee where she lectured in Mental Health Nursing. She is trained in CBT. When she was diagnosed with lupus, Sheena retired from teaching.