Ah, Christmas! It certainly is the most wonderful time of year. From Christmas movie marathons to Christmas markets and light trails, there’s so much to love about the festive season, no matter your traditions. But, with busy schedules, long gift lists, complicated Christmas dinners and ever-so-slightly chaotic households, it comes as no surprise that December is also the most stressful month of the year. Finding ways to look after yourself this Christmas is super important so if you’re looking to practise self-care this Christmas, read on for these easy tips…

8 ways to look after yourself this Christmas

1. Ease the pressure off

First up on our list of easy ways to look after yourself this Christmas is the most important – and that’s easing your foot off the gas and take some of that pressure off. We often put lots of unnecessary pressure on ourselves at Christmas to be the perfect host, the perfect gift giver, the perfect cook, but none of that is what matters, especially to others, so be kinder to your mind and just do what you can. No one will judge you for a burnt turkey…but it might make a funny anecdote!

2. Set yourself a budget

Of course, one of the biggest stresses at Christmas time is finances. But you needn’t overspend and overstretch for just one day of the year! Set yourself a budget for what you can afford and make sure you’re strict with not going over that to avoid any unnecessary stress this Christmas. If you have a big family and are worried about gift giving this Christmas, why not suggest something fun like secret santa? This time of year is also great for discounts, like Black Friday weekend, so you can make the most of getting your gifts for less.

3. Get yourself organised

Make a list, and check it twice! Getting yourself organised is one of the best ways to look after yourself this Christmas, especially if you’re hosting your family. Who’s got allergies again? When is bin day? We’re big believers in the power of writing things down – not only does it help you to remember those all-important errands, it also is a great reliever of stress and takes a bit of weight off your shoulders.

Have yourself a stress-free Christmas with our Christmas Planner. Filled with everything you could possibly need to get organised, from Christmas card addresses to a Christmas dinner cooking schedule.

4. Protect your boundaries

Next up on our list of easy ways to look after yourself this Christmas is by simply saying no. If you’re approaching the third party of the season and you’re feeling overwhelmed and overstretched by the demands of Christmas, why not opt to stay in with a cosy blanket, a hot chocolate whilst watching Love Actually? Listen to your mind, your body and what you need.

5. Practise mindfulness

From parties to shopping to cleaning, it can be hard to find the time to practise mindfulness during the Christmas period. Make sure you’re still doing those little things that make you feel good – whether that’s reading a little bit of that book, taking a warm bath or just having a 10-minute sit down with a cup of tea. Setting aside time for yourself, even when you feel like you don’t have a minute to, is one of the best ways you can look after yourself this Christmas.

6. Plan ahead

If you’re looking for easy ways to look after yourself this Christmas, planning ahead is one of the best things you can do! Forget traipsing around the food shop and instead why not opt for a click and collect slot or even a home delivery. That way you can make sure you not only have everything you need, but you can order it in advance and from the comfort of your own home too. That’s a win-win!

7. Get some fresh air

Is there anything better than a cold, crisp winter’s morning? One of the best ways to look after yourself this Christmas is by wrapping up nice and warm and getting some fresh air. Whether that’s for 5 minutes around the block or an hour through the park, fresh air, exercising and being around nature are all great ways to help regulate your nervous system. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to untangle those darn Christmas lights! 

8. Ask for help

And last up on our list of easy ways to look after yourself this Christmas is by simply reaching out and asking for help. Taking everything on by yourself is tough work on the best of days, so be kind to yourself, and ask for help when you feel you could really do with it. Maybe that’s asking for help preparing Christmas dinner for the family, or help picking up gifts if you don’t fancy popping out to the shops. No matter what you need, reaching out to someone to ask for a helping hand is an easy way you can really look after yourself this Christmas and make yourself a priority.

We’re big on self-care and looking after yourself so we hope this list of easy ways to look after yourself this Christmas is a gentle reminder to slow down, take it easy and put less pressure on yourself at this time of the year especially. If you have any other tips or ways to look after yourself this Christmas, please do share them in the comments.

xxx

P.S. If you want even more self-care tips, head over to our Instagram where we share plenty of infographics and free downloads that you can save and share.