12 days of Christmas self-care
Can you already feel the holiday season silliness brewing?
Help give yourself the gift of a calm mind, shared to-do list and firm “no” these holidays.
Keep up the good work
Eating well, moving your body and drinking plenty of water is even better advice during the festive season!
You do you
You have permission to ignore established Christmas tropes and spend your time the way you want to – even ignore the season entirely!
Stay off social media
Playing the comparison game? Silence accounts you'd prefer not to see - or log out altogether.
Name your emotions
Say: “That comment about my job made me feel small," rather than "I am a failure." This helps diffuse an emotion's potential power.
Play to your strengths
Volunteer to contribute in ways that bring you joy - however that is. Maybe you make amazing punch, love being in charge of music or entertaining the kids.
Emotional labour
You’re not the only Christmas Elf. Divide the to do list and forget about tasks that aren’t on your plate.
You are not alone
Other people find this time of year difficult too. Have a chat with a friend, do something for yourself or seek help from your doctor if you feel you need it.
Under indulge
The dopamine hit of too much food and drink is short-lived, while the knock-on effects can be more serious.
Embrace frugality
Talk to family and friends about only buying gifts for children or doing Secret Santa. A costly Christmas is not "better".
Recognise stress
Identify when you are feeling stressed or anxious, and use techniques such as relaxation, deep breathing and gentle exercise to turn yourself around.
Set boundaries
If it's better for your emotional, mental or financial health, you are allowed to say "no” to events, people and traditions.
Honour someone
If you are grieving, try acknowledging your loved one by cooking a favourite dish, talking about them or putting up a decoration to symbolise their importance.