Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I love the lights, the songs and the festive days out. Having three kids means that December is by far our busiest month. However, between work and family commitments it can’t start to feel a little overwhelming. Taking time for self-care and having some time to myself can really help with my stress levels.
Here are just a few techniques to help de-stress this festive season.
Reading is my favourite way of de-stressing. There’s nothing better than curling up on a cold winter’s night with a good book. If you’re struggling to find the time to read, you could also consider audiobooks. I often listen to them as I’m doing household chores as it makes even the most mundane task feel more bearable!
I love walking during the winter months – as long as it isn’t raining! When it’s crisp and frosty outside it can be the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs. Make it a family event and all go together, or if you’re looking for a bit of peace, simply go alone. It’s a great time to clear your head as well as stretch your legs.
There’s nothing better than watching a live gig. It’s such a fun and exhilarating experience. Going to a gig, such as an Aventura concert, could be a great way to unwind and destress. There’s something about live music that really soothes the soul.
Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what’s happening in the present moment by noticing and being aware of your mind, body or surroundings. It has its roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don’t have to be spiritual to try it. Mindfulness means something different to each individual person. It may mean meditating, or journaling, or even just silently reflecting on your day. Whatever works for you.
I find a great way of de-stressing is playing a relaxing online game. It’s a great way of taking some time out whilst also keeping your brain active. I love playing solo games such as Solitaire which I’ve been playing since childhood. I’m also a massive fan of word games. My favourite at the moment is Letter Scramble, where you need to make as many words as possible within the time frame from the random assortment of letters. The challenge becomes harder as you progress through the levels. I love that I’m only playing against myself and find it a great way to relax.
If you’re looking for a way to help you with word games and remove the stress completely, why not try a word unscrambler to help form words? A word unscrambler tool can quickly unscramble random letters into actual words to use in your game.
There are also some great jigsaw puzzles and games on I’m A Puzzle. I’ve always loved jigsaw puzzles since being a child and they are a fantastic way to de-stress and unwind. There are thousands of puzzles to choose from and so many different themes, including animals and landscapes. You can even create your own puzzle. They’re all completely free to play too!
When you’re busy and overwhelmed, exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing. However, exercise can increase endorphins and have you feeling happy and positive. If you do not feel energised enough to go for a run or head to the gym, more gentle exercise might be just the thing. Yoga and pilates are great forms of exercise that can also help your mental state.
Christmas can be an exciting yet overwhelming time of year. However, by taking some time out to look after yourself and indulge in a bit of ‘me-time’, your festive period can less stressful and more fun.
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