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Life Hack: Awesome Tips For Stress Relief Over The Festive Period

Hello again!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. and also, arguably, the most stressful.


 

I likely wasn’t the only one heading home from town this morning, suddenly thinking “oh no! I still haven’t got anything for so-and-so”.

If you’ve even got half of your Christmas shopping done, that’s amazing.

If you haven’t started yet, that’s fine too – life gets in the way. This time of year isn’t easy.


There’ll be plenty of people still running to the shops over the next week or so. However much you’ve achieved, you’re doing great.

A personal story: I was walking through town today. It was busy. The Christmas market was on, people were rushing around, there were things in the way, lots of noise. 

I’m an anxious person, but having previously worked in retail for over two years, I’m used to busy places, crowds and shoppers. 


 

Even so, I felt tension, the atmosphere was overwhelming. I didn’t know which shops to go into. I’m not much of a shopper, and so this time of year can be difficult.

Alas, I have some few tips for overcoming seasonal stress and seasonal depression. Such as:

Breathing techniques can be really helpful for stress relief. Whether that’s a specific guided breathing technique, or simply yoga breathing. 

There’s a lot of awesome stuff on YouTube to get you started. 

Photo by Kelvin Valerio from Pexels

 

Wim Hof offers some incredible breathing techniques too. Wim’s guided breathing helps to oxygenate the brain, allowing you a clearer thought process, better sleep and higher serotonin levels. 

Have a try: https://youtu.be/0BNejY1e9ik

I won’t be popular with this suggestion, but Wim Hof also encourages cold exposure, i.e. ice baths and cold showers. If you’re not brave enough to try an ice bath, a cold shower can significantly raise your dopamine levels.

Exercise is great, too. I take a stroll around the block each day. Wrap up warm, go out for a few minutes and then come home and treat yourself to a cuppa. You’ve earned it.

With shopping in particular, it’s often best to go into town as early as possible, to beat the rush. 

Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

Many shops will even be opening late at night in the run up to Christmas, too – and I can tell you from experience, having finished some shifts at midnight last Christmas, the store will often be very quiet late at night!

I try my best to shop with local businesses, but that’s not always easy or straightforward.

If you see something that a loved one will appreciate while you’re doing your shopping in a big supermarket, and it’s within the budget that you’ve allocated, treat yourself.

If it takes away even a small percentage of stress, that’s amazing!

Communication is important, and at this time of year, it’s more vital than ever before. Communicate with your family and friends. Call them, FaceTime them, meet them for coffee. Ask what sort of gifts they want.


The most important bits? Breathe in, breathe out. Take a nap. Go to bed early. 

Drink water. Take a hot bath. Read a good book. Watch your favourite movie. FaceTime your best friend.

Do something you love. Meditate. Think positively. 


 

Love yourself.

Take care, and we’ll be back very soon.

Matt and Josh x

 

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