9 Tips Stay Sane during the Silly Season!
Yes! It is that time again!
Even though people are more aware these days, I still see and hear about people going a wee bit silly, coco loco, stressed, overwhelmed or knackered during the silly season!
And this is something that people seem to swear they won’t do again the next year. You know who you are… yes you! I am pointing the finger at YOU!
Ok, so here are some easy things to remember so you won’t feel so overwhelmed and to enjoy yourself this year!
1. Organise Yourself.
You know that little book you always carry around but never use to its full potential? It is called a diary and they come in real handy at this time of year! Or do you have an iPhone or iPad? It has great applications in regards to calendars and alerts… so guess what I am going to recommend??!!…USE THEM!
Write down what you need to do for the month, all your parties and appointments and then set out your daily tasks.
This helps cut down on your mental chatter and brain space as once it is out of your head and in your diary, you don’t have to keep thinking about it and constantly saying to yourself, ‘I must remember to….’
2. Stick to your Budget!
Finances or lack there of, can be a big strain and stress at this time of the year. And a lot of people tend to go overboard or feel that whatever they have bought; isn’t ‘enough’. Well I am now giving You permission to feel that what ever you can give IS enough!
Stick to a budget! When we overspend and find we don’t have enough to manage for the rest of the holiday or you have to go without, it impacts our stress levels greatly.
For me and my family; we have cut down a lot in the last few years, previously we were buying for nieces and nephews, parents, siblings etc and it became a bit of a strain on our budget. We now only buy for the children of the family and then I go on a ‘bake off’ and cook Pfeffernüesses (a yummy cookie) for everyone else and our neighbours. They are easy to make, low on cost, are yummy and the name is cool and makes me sound very continental.
Words from my mother to you:- ‘Budget, budget, budget!’
3. Tidy up.
Yep, clean your house and your environment! Why? Because it makes you feel good!
Your home is a big reflection on You; your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self.
If your home is your sanctuary… honour it.
You don’t have to go scrubbing walls, washing curtains or painting the house. Just spend a day tidying and decluttering the clutter you see. It will help you feel like you can tackle the bigger stuff if your environment is in order.
A tidy home is a tidy mind.
Or look into a Feng Shui audit >>
4. It is ok to say ‘No’
Take it from me… it is OK to say No!
I grew up with a frantic Christmas day of running from one family member’s house to another and it has only been the last 3 -4 years where we have started to say no and cut down on the running around. And it now feels great and we have a much more relaxed day.
Sometimes it is unavoidable, though you can always move things around and make it workable and enjoyable. Growing up in my family, we usually had morning at our house, lunch at one of my mother’s side of the family home, and then afternoon with my father’s side of the family. By the end of the day we were tired and over it.
Our family decided, in the end, to see one side of the family on Christmas eve, and only spend Christmas at one place, and it works! We actually have time together and get a chance to hang out and chat!
5. Play
Why do you think they call it the silly season?
I don’t know why we only give ourselves once a year to be silly, but it’s at this time the general population gives you the permission to play!
So play!
Be silly, be a kid, let loose a little.
Play is such a healthy thing to do, it helps kick start your happy hormones, puts a smile on your face as well as for others, it connects you to your inner child and what better way to express yourself!
What do you mean by ‘play’ I hear you ask…???
Pull silly faces with kids, play board games with friends, daggy dance, allow a child to take you for a walk or enter their imaginary world, finger paint, blow bubbles, sing at the top of your voice, wear colours that don’t match and have fun!
6. Breathe
I know… people say it all the time…’Just breathe…’
Well you know, it is really great advice! Breathing correctly or well, actually has a physiological effect on your body. When we breathe correctly we trigger our parasympathetic nervous response meaning; it chills out your adrenalin and cortisol hormones, calms your mental chatter, allows you to detox those yuk hormones by stimulating your lymphatic system, oxygenate your body, allows you to think more clearly, centres and grounds you.
A great practice is to regularly practice Yogic Breathing… it is really easy to do and can be done whilst driving your car, or you can take a few minutes out of your day to do it or use it as a meditation.
The Yogic Breath;
Breathe all the way down to your belly, just below your navel and allow your belly to expand… and then breathe up into your chest.
When you breathe out, exhale from your chest first and then squeeze it out of your belly.
This is the Yogic Breath pattern and it is nice to do a few accentuated breaths first and then allow your breath to relax and form its own natural Yogic Breath pattern.
7. Nurture yourself
If you don’t nurture yourself, who will?
You need to take care of yourself and take some time out for you, if you don’t, then all those stress hormones may just get the better of you, you get cranky, frustrated easily, sick and exhausted. Not really the picture of someone full of good cheer and happy tidings!
You may wish to seek someone who will help you with your nutrition and physical wellbeing during the Christmas period. A good Naturopath can do wonders and you can feel the effects of what they suggest to incorporate in your diet really fast.
You can also address those things that have come up to the surface, like family or self worth challenges or general worries by booking in for a Sacred Space Session. These sessions are designed to support you to consciously work with your behavioural and emotional patterns that keep you in a cycle of worry and stress. Book your appointment here >>
Or you could get a massage, buy flowers, take a bath, read a favourite book, go to the beautician or join a meditation class.
8. Giving and receiving
Of course! isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
This is what I love most about this time, watching my children’s faces as they open their presents and the magic that can be felt and seen. I love giving gifts purely for that…. ‘oooooh I hope they like it and find the love in it that I do’ moment. Sometimes the response is not always what you expect but that is ok too.
So what I am suggesting is to make the decision to (if you are buying gifts) purchase with mindfulness and with the intention that the gift is bought for that individual, that the gift is something that they will find beauty, inspiration, practicality or humour in. When we have the intention set for someone, the energy is so much stronger and allows for connection to happen.
Some of us also find it difficult to receive… for any number of reasons… though this time I want you to instead of saying, ‘oh no really? You shouldn’t have.’ I want you to say ‘Thank you, I really appreciate it!’ And receive your gift with open arms and a wide smile! You are worth it! You do deserve it! and it is ok to be acknowledged, seen and Loved!
9. Have Gratitude and Let Go.
For some, Christmas can also be a really difficult time emotionally, especially when there are challenges within family dynamics or it can be a very lonely or sad time for some.
A nice way to switch your perception and to welcome in some positivity, is to find 3 things that you are grateful for in regards to your challenges or the particular family member. When you use this process or practice, it will take you out of your victim role, help you to see the bigger picture and actually help lift your mood!
Practicing gratitude regularly can help you achieve a happier and healthier You on all levels and for all different circumstances… and really…. isn’t that the ‘real’ Christmas spirit behind it all, behind the giving and the receiving? Aren’t you giving because you are grateful they are in your life? and aren’t you receiving because you are acknowledging gratitude?
AND…. when we send gratitude we are also letting go…. letting go of all the detail, all the crap, all the negative thoughts in order for us to open into Love…. giving and receiving Love…. that is all there is.
Hope you have a happy, healthy and Love filled Silly Season!
