Three ways to ease yourself through the festive season - Louisa Flynn, Breathe & Be Yoga
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As Andy Williams sings into our eardrums every Christmas: ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ And while it’s true for many of us, equally, there are those of us who feel all is not quite so wonderful about Christmas.
Often it is the things that are loved about Christmas that can also be the triggers. From spending more time with extended family: which can serve as reminder that we don’t have family we can spend time with. To the love-filled generosity of the season: that can lead us to the realisation that we simply do not have the surplus income that we’d like.
Whichever way you feel about Christmas, there is usually a need to find calm amongst the chaos. So, here are three simple ways to ease yourself through the season (and maybe nurture a sense of wonder):
1. Make space for simple routines that factor in you-time
Where possible, create a festive routine that includes something you enjoy. If you’re stuck for ideas, incorporating conscious movement into your day can really help. This could include a morning walk where you get to fully take in your surroundings. The point is, by moving the body in ways that feel good, it will help to eliminate stress. If this feels like too much to commit to, it’s okay. Do whatever works for you. Whatever allows you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
2. Ditch obligation-shame
Yes, it’s Christmas. And yes, it is important to catch-up with family and friends, and to socialise with colleagues. But nothing and no one is more important than you, and, after the children, there may not be a lot of time left for much else. While others may have their expectations of us, it is not up to us to meet them. Where possible, schedule social occasions to work with your needs and wants, just as much as anyone else’s, and say “No, thank-you,” as much as you like. Obligation-shame can also be ditched when it comes to hosting events. It’s okay to ask guests to pitch-in, and perhaps, even bring along a dish to lighten the load. You don’t have to do it all, and those that truly care about you wouldn’t want you to feel wrung out.
3. Reflect on your growth
The closing of another year naturally works as a time to reflect upon the last year, and no matter what may or may not have happened in 2021, there will be something, in terms of your personal growth, that you can celebrate. It could simply be that you managed to put one foot in front of the other and got through the days that have led you to the here and now. Journal about these achievements, and, by doing so, by processing these happenings, you can let them go. Making space for all the wonderful moments that are to come your way in 2022. Try to think positively, perhaps by creating an uplifting mantra to help you navigate the year ahead. After all, you are an incredible and wonderful woman, and your opportunities are endless.
Wishing all a Happy Christmas, and a healthy, free, and prosperous New Year.
Bio:
Louisa Flynn is a published wellbeing writer and am now also a trainee yoga teacher. So, you could say that she is passionate about wellbeing.
She believes that we are all on a unique journey that hopes for contentment in life, and that wellbeing - and all that the term encompasses - is at the heart of it.
Through her work, it is her aim that she helps only to promote holistically healthy lifestyle choices which help people to both know and honour themselves
See more of Louisa over at:
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