Finding some downtime this Holiday Season
By Amanda Scali

If you feel like you are grinding into the end of another year, you are not alone.
 
The last few years have been uneasy and unsettling for many people, and most people around you are probably a tad exhausted with a whole bunch of things heading into the Christmas and Holiday season.
 
Whilst Christmas and all that surrounds it can be a joyous time for many, it can also be a time that has its own stresses for those who have challenging relationships with their loved ones, who might have lost a loved one, are separated from them or are just emotional or physically exhausted after a big couple of years.
 
So how do we find some time for downtime and a little bit of me-time in the hectic Christmas period?
 
Here are our top tips, sent with love and kindness.

 
Find an excuse to slip away and have a few minutes of peace
 
Christmas can be hectic with family and cooking and presents. Try and find some moments that you can carve out for just you this holiday season.
 
It might be going for a walk first thing in the morning or slipping away to do a guided meditation during the festivities. Look after yourself and go easy.
 

Practice deep breathing
 
If you find the holiday period super stressful, know first that you are not alone and learn to practice some deep breathing to get you through the season with your sanity intact.
 
The art of just taking some deep breaths can help calm you down if you are feeling anxious.
 

Listen to music
 
Nothing puts you in a good mood faster and relieves that little bit of stress like putting on some of your favourite tunes.
 
So, crank those tunes and find some downtime in music this holiday season.
 
 
Get some fresh air
 
Get outside and get some fresh air; we can all be guilty of letting our exercise plan go out the window over Christmas break, but doing a little bit of light exercise will keep you on track and re-invigorate you.
 
Get the whole family outside for a walk around the block.
 

Stretch
 
The good thing to come out of covid lockdowns is there is so many great apps out there to do yoga, Pilates and stretching. Schedule some stretch sessions to your routine.
 

Recognise what you can and can't control
 
It might be your mother asking you when you will get married or a myriad of other things that can stress you out of the holiday season, especially if you are staying with loved ones and the house is a bit crowded.
 
Recognise that we can't control all people and situations and just let them be as they are. Try and enjoy the season for what it is.