Written by: Tara Best, 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.
Christmas is just a few short months away now and we’re told that this year, it could be a very stressful one indeed. Supply chain issues mean it could be tricky to get our hands on everything from turkey and pigs in blankets to the latest must-have toys. Social events such as children's nativity plays, drinks with neighbours, office parties and family gatherings look set to be in full swing after the Covid-19-driven hiatus in 2020. An ongoing shortage of hospitality workers puts extra pressure on restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes trying to deliver the festive atmosphere so many of us love.
So, what can you do if you love the Christmas season and want to make sure you get through it with your sense of humour and happiness intact? Here are 6 ways to have a mindful little Christmas this year and make sure you are able to enjoy every moment of the festive season. They have been put together by Gloucestershire-based coach and qualified NLP practitioner Tara Best to help everyone tap into the power of positivity and have a very merry Christmas.
1. Make sure you are doing things for yourself. Christmas can quickly turn into a long list of things you need to do to make other people happy. While making other people happy is clearly not a bad thing in itself, it’s important you don’t forget to do things for yourself too. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you still need to take some time alone to be mindful, rest and recharge those batteries. If that for you means dancing around your house to your favourite music, then do that! If it’s a bath with a great book and a scented candle, that’s great.
2. Set boundaries and learn to say no. Do you know what one of my least favourite words is? “Should”. It’s a word rooted in negativity and other people’s expectations of you. So, if you’re becoming overwhelmed with invites or demands in the Christmas season stop and think – if you accept that invitation, why are you accepting it? If it’s because it feels good and you want to, then great. If it’s because you ‘should’ go or you feel obliged… it’s not right. Set boundaries and stick to them.
3. Focus on your breathing. You will encounter stressful situations during the Christmas period. They might come when you’re trying to park, queuing at the supermarket or spending time with someone who drains you. During a stressful citation, one thing you can do to help yourself cope is to concentrate on your breathing. We often revert to short sharp breathing in times of stress so focus on long, deep breaths. It’s calming and you’ll deliver plenty of oxygen to your brain and body to help you be rational.
4. Go on a gratitude rampage! Feelings of stress can linger if you let them, but I have a tried and tested way to banish those feelings and step into a higher vibration. When you’ve just experienced stress, just think about being really, really grateful. List everything you are grateful for – from that amazing cup of coffee you had this morning, the fact you have a car to get around, the money to buy presents, your health and wellbeing, your amazing family. Anything and everything. In that state of pure gratitude, you’ll be in such a positive place, and you simply won’t be able to feel any negative emotions.
5. Refill your cup. Christmas is normally a very sociable time and that can mean late nights, lots of rich food and a good splash of alcohol too. That is all part and parcel of the fun but remember to fill your cup and support your health and wellbeing. Balance the frivolity and excesses by making sure you get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and keep on eating enough fruit and vegetables (alongside the Quality Street). Your immune system and your sanity will thank you!
6. Appreciate the positives. As I mentioned before, if you make an effort to see the positive side of life, it’s actually pretty hard for stress and negativity to creep in. Try to appreciate the good times when you’re in the moment. Instead of obsessing over images for Instagram on Christmas Day, enjoy the company of the people you are trying to add to your stories. Instead of taking a picture of the Christmas decorations, spend some time chatting to family and enjoying the twinkling lights and pretty tree. Instead of checking your phone obsessively for notifications, try a whole 24-hours without news and social media apps…
For more tips and ideas to help you develop a resilient and positive mindset, make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram and check out my website or catch my podcast Tara Talks on your favourite streaming service!
Tara Best, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Tara Best of Tara Punter Coaching and Tara Punter PR is incredibly passionate about all things mindset and marketing and helping business owners thrive while taking control of those limiting beliefs likely to hold them back in business. As a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach, NLP Practitioner, Practitioner of Time Line Therapy, and Hypnotherapist, she has the tools required to help clients rewire their subconscious mind, to help them create unlimited success. She combines this with her marketing and public relations expertise to truly help her audience thrive. Best is also the voice behind the popular podcast Tara Talks and soon to be a published author.
