Written by: Karen Peddie, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It is a fact that Christmas can be a very emotional time of year. Feelings of overwhelm, panic, stress, fear, hate, anger, jealousy, anxiety, depression, apprehension, frustration and many other negative emotions start bubbling up
There is sadness when we think about family members and friends no longer with us. We worry about how we can afford everything or if we have forgotten something or, even worse, someone! We stress, we fear we are not good enough and we panic about getting the perfect gifts. Does everything have to be perfect? No, It doesn’t!!
Here are some simple tips for a calm Christmas that I'm sure will help you.
1. Remember those who have passed and be grateful for the people in your life now. Don’t try and ignore the feeling of loss that you have, talk to others, the chances are they feel it too. Write a list of everything you are grateful for, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, it all counts.
2. Make the most of your strong friendships, tell them how you are feeling so they can support you. If you don’t tell them how you are feeling, they probably won’t be able to guess! You don’t even need to see them if you don’t want to, you could just call them, text them or send them a message.
3. Make some time for yourself, sit quietly, take some long, slow, deep breaths and clear your mind. Book a Reiki session or try meditation.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Try not to get into debt by buying things you know you don’t really need.
6. Do your own thing. It can be hard, but if you feel you want to do something different… just do it. Keep your plans flexible and give yourself permission to change your mind. I offer to drive so I can leave when I want to, and I find that works for me!
7. Volunteer. There are more places than ever before opening on Christmas Day to support people who would be alone and not just the elderly, homeless centers are open too.
8. Look after yourself and be aware of overindulging in food or alcohol. Why not take a break by going for a walk and getting some fresh air?
9. Accept how you feel, you don’t need to justify it to anyone else but yourself.
And finally...Remember, it is just one day.
There are some positive quotes you might like over on my Facebook page. I hope you get a chance to read some of them and that you find some inspiration from them, I have!
Focus on positive things that are going on in your life and it will be Boxing Day before you can say mince pies!
Useful contact numbers
NHS 111 Samaritans 116 123 (UK)
Karen Peddie, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Karen is a natural, intuitive Energy Healer who uses Reiki, Emotional Freedom Techniques, and Meditation to help her clients improve their health and well-being. She works with them to identify and heal the root cause of any dis-ease which could be blocking the flow of energy either physically, mentally, or emotionally. As someone who suffered from anxiety, stress, and depression for many years, Karen's experience makes her a genuine, empathetic therapist who creates a safe, calm space in which to start the healing process
