How to Unwind During the Festive Period
It's that time of year again and what better to do than relax and enjoy the season? But with all the parties, get-togethers and other festivities which take place over the Christmas period, it can be hard to fully unwind. So, here's what I do to chill out and recharge on the run up to the big day.
Take time out for yourself
I get it, Christmas i a spectacular time of year. But love it or hate it, it can prove to be an extremely busy period, meaning you spend any free time you do have shopping, wrapping presents or stocking up the fridge. Although this is a lovely thing to do for those you love, it's still important to take a couple of hours out of your day for a bit of 'me' time - it's up to you how you spend it.
Whether you go to the gym, go for a walk around your local park, have a relaxing bath or spend the evening with a face mask on and a good film, you should make the effort to take time out for yourself, ensuring a refreshed, rejuvenated 'you' come the big day.
Express gratitude
As we get older, Christmas becomes less about what Father Christmas brings and more about other people and how we make them feel. This year, I've bought my mum something which I know she'll be chuffed with, and the thing I'm looking forward to most of all is watching her open it, because I know it'll make her happy - I get butterflies just thinking about it really!
But just because I'm looking forward to that more that what I'll receive as a gift this year doesn't mean to say that I'm not grateful. Gratitude doesn't just apply to presents or gift-giving, either. We should feel grateful for the fact we have food on our tables and a family to love and appreciate. There are many people who don't have that, and although I should feel lucky all year round, I feel particularly lucky around this time of year.
As such, we love to donate to a few different charities to help others, including the homeless, children and animal shelters - as they deserve to be given some love, too.
Spend time outdoors
When I was little, we had a tradition where every Christmas Eve we'd go for a walk around our local park. We don't really do this anymore, which is sad, but we spend time together outdoors in other ways now we're older. Whether that be going to Sherwood Pines to get our Christmas tree (which you can read all about here), or walking around the neighbourhood to admire everyone's Christmas lights with a hot chocolate in hand.
It's also been proven that being outdoors can relieve stress, further aiding your relaxation period. You could even put this under the 'take time out for yourself' section!
Relax with family and friends
It's so important to spend time with friends and family around this time of year. Make everyone feel included and don't forget about anyone. Whether you go round to their house with mince pies and mulled wine, or send them a Christmas card every year without fail, we must never forget to express thanks and gratitude to those we love.
We shouldn't just limit this kindness to friends and family, either. If you have elderly neighbours who you know will be on their own this Christmas, invite them round for Christmas dinner or to watch a Christmas film under a few blankets. Bring them some homemade festive goodies like fruit cake or gingerbread. Put a Christmas card through their letterbox - they'll be chuffed that someone has remembered them and has taken the time out to make them feel welcome and included.
Reflect on the past year
When the end of the year comes, many people take the opportunity to look back on the past 12 months. Where it can be easier to remember the bad things, we should only focus on the good, positive things to come out of 2019. Perhaps make a list of things which made you happy, or a list of things you've done which made you think 'yeah, that was a great day'. If you shared those experiences with someone, talk about it together over a cup of hot chocolate and some spiced fruit cake. Spread the love and happiness and help others remember the good times.
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Is there anything you do specifically around this time of year to help you unwind? Are any of you tactics the same as mine? If not, let me know what you do in the comments below or via my social media. I will see you again really soon with another blog post for you :)
Merry Christmas!
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