Top Tips to a Relaxing, Stress-free Christmas

What a rollercoaster 2021 has been. Change and challenge have continued all year. Many of my clients are reporting overwhelming exhaustion right now. When we are tired and worn out, we tend to be a little more on edge and much more easily triggered into a full stress or fight or flight reaction. In order to try and keep stress levels down, let’s look at two important steps.

Step 1 is around becoming more aware of what is likely to trigger a reaction in you.

Step 2 is knowing what you can do about it.

Self-awareness is key when it comes to identifying stress triggers. Let us look at 3 questions to ask, to become more self-aware this holiday period.

Who? Where? and What?

Who is my stress reaction more likely to be triggered by?

We all know people in our own families, communities, and networks that trigger us repeatedly. It may be the tone of their voice, the unfiltered clangers they come out with or the very act of being in the same room as them that triggers you. It may even be the simplest comment made that would not have triggered a reaction if someone else had said it.

Keep a note of who you come up with.

Where am I most likely to be triggered?

This may sound like an odd question to ask yourself but where are you more likely to be triggered? Is it in your own home, in your parents’ or other family members’ home or it may be in the supermarket or shops getting the last few items for Christmas? Queue jumping or not social distancing in a queue can be big triggers. Again, make a mental note.

What is likely to trigger my stress reaction?

Now ask yourself what are those things that are likely to trigger you? Is it the Christmas dinner, the noise the kids are making, people not complying with COVID-19 regulations, queues or maybe it is specific conversations or words around the pandemic e.g. antivaccers, boosters, teenagers, regulations, Omicron? This will be individual to you but being more self-aware is key to early intervention.

Now that you have a note of the who, where, and what, re your triggers, let’s look at applying the same 3 questions to help you predictably know what will calm you down if you are being triggered or feel the stress levels rising.

Who, where and what can I do to help myself stay calm and grounded when I feel that my stress reaction is about to be triggered?

Who?

If your stress levels are rising and you are beginning to feel overwhelmed, or that you could blow a gasket at any minute who is your go-to person? Who is that person that you know will have a calming effect on you? Who will listen empathetically to your challenge?

Is it a friend, family member, or neighbour? Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for 15 minutes of somebody’s time if it is going to help to ground you. No doubt they will be chuffed that they are the chosen person that you have reached out to. In connecting with somebody, you are stimulating the release of oxytocin in the body which is our bonding neurochemical. This quickly reduces stress.

Where?

Where is your go-to place for peace and ease and for grounding? Is it the local park or a room in your house, maybe the garden or the local coffee shop? It could be that you need a quick walk around the block. Know where it is so that you can easily take yourself out of a stressful situation to ground yourself.

Nature is wonderful to help rebalance the neurochemistry in the body. A quick mindful walk in the garden or park will stimulate the release of Serotonin and Dopamine which are our feel-good neurochemicals.

What?

What works for you, to help keep you in a state of rest and digest when you are triggered? This is a very individual thing, and one size does not fit all. There are many little habits that can be preventative e.g. starting off the day with gratitude or 10 minutes of mindfulness.

Maybe it is making sure you get your exercise daily or spending time in nature. It could be getting lost in a good novel or taking a walk in the fresh air when it is all getting too much.

Blasting out some of your favorite tunes on iTunes or Spotify or whatever you have got is also a great way to stimulate the release of Serotonin and help you feel better and more relaxed.

Stopping periodically during the day to take some long slow deep breaths (exhalation longer than inhalation) is a good technique universally to reset in any given moment. The long exhalation activates the ventral part of the parasympathetic nervous system which is hugely effective in calming the body down, sending a message to the brain that all is well.

Now that you have a who, where, and what for triggers as well as how you can help yourself to stay grounded, let hope they work!

Knowing what is likely to trigger your stress reaction and knowing what will get you back into a grounded calm state is hugely important in making the festive season a little less stressful and let’s face it, we all need a bit of relaxation this Christmas.

Wishing you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas.