Surviving The Holiday Season!

Can you believe it is nearly December?  I don't know about you but my brain is still in May!!

​The holidays can be a stressful time of year for everyone.  It is a time when there are parties, childrens activities, food to buy, shopping to buy, family arriving, decorating the house and Christmas cards to write.

​The media floods our minds with thoughts of the perfect Christmas where the children run around playing happily, delighted with their gifts. Family sitting round enjoying each others company with the fire blazing and mountains of food on the table.

​More often than not this is not the reality of Christmas!

​Usually we end up stressed out by the family staying and tearing our hair out at the children's constant bickering.  This time of year can be exceptionally challenging for anyone and even more stressful if you have chronic pain or a medical condition.

​Here are some tips for surviving the holiday season:


Families aren't perfect. We all have issues getting along from time to time.  Accept that there will be times that family members will irritate you.  Try to just let it go when you feel yourself getting stressed out by a family member.  Play some uplifting music or go for a walk to decompress.​


Try to be organised so that you are not leaving everything to the last minute.  Take a little time each day to get yourself organised for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Leaving things to the last minute will only exhaust you.


Remember to try and stay in the present so that you can enjoy each day.


Make sure you get enough rest and are not running on empty as this can make you more unhappy and irritable.


Write a list of gifts you have to buy for each family member so when you go shopping you can stay on track.  This makes shopping so much easier and less stressful than just browsing while racking your brains for who and what you need to get.


Ask for help.  People don't always know you need some help unless you ask. Don't try and do it all yourself! 

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​Listen to you body, if you are tired or in pain take a break! Nobody gets a medal for pratically killing themselves trying to make Christmas perfect!!!

​Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2017!!

​Check out my new book under the store tab of my website!