Holiday tips: How to relax

As the holidays are upon us in various parts of the world, whether that’s Christmas, Hanukkah, summer holidays, a public holiday breaks or Chinese New Year in February… it's going to get chaotic. So many people wonder what are good holiday tips? Relaxing is mine. See, once it’s over, we often find we haven’t relaxed. Why is learning how to relax important? With relaxing while you’re awake, you allow time for your thoughts to settle, to reassess the world around you just through feeling. It's like a mini meditation.

Here are my tips for making sure you’re relaxed during the holidays.

1.      Plan ahead- order Christmas gifts now if you haven’t already.

2.      Remember- gifts aren’t the only way to show children and family you value them. Kind words, baking for them, helping them with things eg. Putting a new bed together shows you care. If gifts are all your kids care about, now is a good time to start addressing expectations. Running around to buy lots of gifts- or spending ages online to buy them can be exhausting.

3.      Start taking time out now. If you’re a mum or dad or a very busy individual, that might mean leaving work or for work early and spending a spare hour sleeping or sitting in your car listening to your favourite podcast/calming music. If you’re a freelancer, find one day a week where you have a few hours to go to the beach or local park to absorb some vitamin D. Even 5 minutes spare per day can make a difference.

4.      Pick an activity that is healthy for you (which also requires a bit of time to yourself). Try to do this once a week in the few weeks leading up the said holiday. For me, it’s a footbath with herbal tea or a bath.

5.      Delegate. Kids old enough to take on some responsibility? Get them to pick a task to prepare for the holidays or pick one that’s their favourite- e.g is it hanging lights or you making a certain Christmas treat? You don’t have to do it all. If they can't do it this year, then it doesn’t happen. Help younger kids with easier tasks. Lazy partner? Same attitude. Are you on your own? Delegate yourself certain times to do certain things.

6.      If you’re going away, pick your best packing method and stick to it. Whether that’s a few days before or the night before. No one way is the right way and don’t allow your partner to criticize you. If they don’t like your packing style, shove a Christmas treat in their gob. But make a list. Make a list now, while your head is clear. You can continue to add to the list as you think of things. That way you won’t forget essentials when the time comes.

7.      Pick something you want to do- whether that’s catching up with an old friend, hiding in your man cave, sons old rom or a new activity and set that time aside for yourself a day or two after the main holiday. Remember, its’ not all up to you. The world isn’t going to end if you’re gone for an hour.

8.      If you can, get an early nights sleep the night before the main events of the holiday.

9.      Download some calming music to listen to whenever you feel frustrated or before you go to sleep

10.  If you’re not exercising during this time, make sure to do gentle stretches at least 5 minutes either side of the day and try go for a 15 minute walk once a week- even if its up the road to get coffee (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and its winter).

11.  Don’t complain to others during this time. This can often be a stressful time of year for many. Instead, record your complaint onto your phone and listen back to it yourself. Then ask yourself what you can do to change things or, if you can let go of anything.

Happy Relaxing!