Stress-Busting Tips For A Calmer Christmas

For many people across the UK Christmas is typically one of the most stressful events of the year. Now that the countdown to the big event has begun, millions of Britons are dreading the prospect of yet another advent filled with chaotic preparations and stressful situations. The usual overload of shopping, socialising, family duties and over excited children can cause even the calmest of people to lose cool.

The pressure we heap upon ourselves to make each Christmas bigger and better than the last, has the potential to send stress levels soaring and take the fun out the festivities. But before you start to panic, psychologist professor Alex Gardner and the Kalms team have produced some practical tips to help everyone enjoy a cool Yule in 2006!

1. Start a Christmas diary – now!
Preparing for Christmas whilst juggling the season’s endless social commitments can be tricky. From shopping to school plays most people will feel a little overwhelmed by their Christmas commitments. Remember that you don’t have limitless time and be realistic about how much you can do.

At the beginning of December make a list of everything that you will be doing from now until Christmas day. No matter how small it seems, jot it down and estimate roughly how much of your time it will take (e.g. write and send Christmas cards 4 hours). This will give you an accurate picture of how much time you actually need to prepare and allow you to prioritise your activities.

Christmas won’t seem such a daunting prospect if you break it down into bite size pieces. Stay calm and take it one step at a time. Professor Alex Gardner says “You will be much more relaxed feeling you have taken charge of things”.

2. Don’t shop ‘till you drop
Most people will agree that shopping for gifts is the biggest source of stress in the run up to Christmas. Just remember that you are not going to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Older children are particularly difficult to buy for so don’t think of gift vouchers or cash as an admission of defeat, they certainly won’t!

Give yourself a budget and stick to it. There is increasing pressure on parents to supply ever-more expensive gifts, many of which will be cast aside long before next Christmas comes around.

The benefits of doing your Christmas shopping online are obvious; no traipsing around stores, no crowds, no queues. Research by PayPal shows that the UK spent about £3.5 billion online last Christmas…a sure sign that the population is catching onto this stress-reducing means of seasonal purchasing.

3. Take some time for yourself
Take a break – despite what you think, the sky won’t come crashing down if you do! Even if you can only spare half an hour take the dog for a walk, have coffee with a friend or run a bubble bath. It’s important to take time to regroup and re-charge your energy levels.

If you do start to feel that things are getting on top of you, try taking a natural remedy like Kalms to relieve stress, as well as a good multi-vitamin for optimum health in the run up to Christmas. Professor Gardner says “Getting a good night sleep is one way to ensure you will awake feeling ready for the new day”.

4. A family affair
Spending prolonged periods of time in close quarters with extended family may not be everybody’s idea of fun, but for many it’s what the festive season is all about. Try and make the most of it and avoid triggers that might cause tension.

Turn off the TV – it’s tempting to slump in front of the box after dinner but it can be a source of conflict as different age groups struggle for control of the remote! Organise a few party games to keep everyone occupied and in good spirits or get the family out of the house for a walk or snowball fight (here’s hoping for a white Christmas!).

5. A tipple too many
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few social drinks with your family and friends during the festive season but it is important not to overdo it. It might be tempting to have a drink or two to relax when the pressure is on but it’s important to remember that alcohol can have the adverse affect.

A recent survey by the Policy Exchange, showed that Britons increase their alcohol consumption during the Christmas period more than any other nationality.

Remember that moderation is the key to keeping things Kalm and stress-free, and resist the impulse to over-indulge – no matter how tempting it sounds!

6. Delegate
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, if you don’t ask you won’t receive! Involve your family in the preparations and let them know if it’s all getting on top of you. The spirit of Christmas is all about sharing and that includes sharing the hard work that goes into making it a special occasion.

Delegate some of the more straightforward tasks to those who offer their assistance but don’t expect perfection! Kids will love getting their hands messy in the kitchen…make the most of it!

7. “’Twas the night before Christmas…”
You’ve been rushing around for weeks getting everything ready, you’ll spend all day tomorrow either visiting or catering for your extended family; but now it’s Christmas Eve, the Kalm before the storm. If you have followed our advice you should now have the opportunity to spend some quality time with your immediate family.

Enjoy a simple meal together, listen to Christmas carols, heat up a few mince pies and watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. The Christmas spirit will take over and you’ll go to bed with a festive glow instead of a headache.

Professor Alex Gardner says “The best way to beat stress of any kind is to try to be proactive with it. Supplements like Kalms help you maintain your cool in potentially stressful situations. Take action and keep it under control rather than responding to stress once it’s happened.”