Top Tips for Self-Care
As the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, which can often lead to stress and overwhelm. Julie Acott, a highly experienced hypnotherapist, shares her expert advice on how to prioritise self-care during this busy time.
Her top tips provide simple yet effective strategies to manage the pressures of Christmas, helping you to maintain balance, well-being, and a positive mindset. Read on for Julie's practical self-care advice to navigate the season with ease and joy.
Top Tips for Self-Care
As Christmas approaches it is important to put self-care at the top of our to-do lists –this will help to manage the stress that can accompany the festive season.
Tip 1: Press Pause
Are you someone who says yes to everything and then feels overwhelmed or unappreciated? Try pressing the pause button to allow space to consider your response - remember it’s ok to say no.
Tip 2: Good enugh is good enough
There are so many pressures for everything to be perfect at this time… perfect presents…perfect decorations…perfect food…perfect family - Try setting more realistic expectations and anything more is a bonus.
Tip 3: Set Boundaries
Family dynamics can be challenging at Christmas so set healthy boundaries. This may involve limiting your time with certain people or seeing them with others to prevent you from feeling drained. If time together is unavoidable give yourself space by going for a walk, taking your coffee outside on your own or having a longer soak in the bath to give yourself time out.
Tip 4: Santa’s Helpers
Even Santa can’t do it all on his own – he needs his elves and reindeer! Recognise you need help. Accept the support and delegate tasks to prevent yourself from feeling resentful and exhausted. Other people may do it differently but does it really matter?
Tip 5: Be present
Sounds obvious but precious moments can pass us by unless we pay attention to them. Stay in the present moment and engage with those around you. Grab little joyful moments and savor them topping up your endorphins at the same time and shifting your attention from the pressures.
Tip 6: Avoid Doomscrolling
You feel stressed so you pick up your phone to give yourself some time out. Evidence suggests that scrolling on social media for extended periods increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Doomscrolling can become an unhealthy coping strategy depriving you of meaningful social interactions, healthy sleep, and fulfilling activities. The first step is to recognise the habit and then implement changes.
Tip 7: Feel good video
Our minds are wonderful tools so why not put them to good use instead of using them to worry. Just for a few moments each day, close your eyes, take a breath, and create a short feel-good video in your imagination. Visualise yourself, smiling, relaxed, calmly interacting with family members, and enjoying the festivities. Build up a strong image of all the little things you enjoy about Christmas.
Tip 8: Prioritise Sleep
Poor sleep can affect us physically making us more prone to illness. Lack of sleep
can make us irritable, impact concentration, and affect our ability to communicate. Rest your body and your mind by prioritising your sleep - the ultimate self-care activity.
