Self-care tips for festive anxiety and stress

The pressure of this week can be a lot for the best of us. Christmas is always thought of as a special, happy time of year with family and friends and yes it is.  BUT for some that deal with chronic pain conditions and anxiety it can feel nerve racking and overwhelming for lots of reason so we wanted to share some tips and advice that might help ❤️

First thing not to forget over the festive period are the 7 things to add to your daily routine for self-love + care:

1 - Practice gratitude

2 - Use loving words to describe yourself

3 - Exercise regularly

4 - wrap up and get outdoors more

5 - Have an hour a day without technology

6 - Find time to spend time alone 

7 - Drink plenty of water 

Christmas can create mixed feelings. Some people love the fun & festive feeling, but others can feel overwhelmed. Either way having some little self-care tips up your sleeve for the Christmas period is always useful, as making some 'ME' time is good for the soul + mind

Christmas can be full-on. Lots of things to do, think about, remember, places to be, people coming and going, excitement and expectation. It’s great if you love Christmas but it can also feel demanding. What is important to remember is 'It's ok to admit that Christmas can feel like a struggle', you certainly are not alone! 

Self-care means really listening to your body, taking moments to check in, intentionally tuning in to the thoughts going on in your mind, and challenging your behaviours and belief systems if things feel out of alignment in your life.  Christmas time should be no different and its important to still be aware of how you are feeling

Here are MOi + ME's self-care tips to help you through the Christmas period 

ME Time - Find some time for you each day

Make a little bit of time for you each day. It’s not about luxury or being selfish. It’s about self-preservation and ensuring that you are the best version of you that you can be.

Not taking some me time can lead to getting frustrated, angry, tired and feeling overwhelmed. So take some time for yourself, in the bath, read a book, listen to music, phone a friend.  Just do something that gives you time out, even if only for 10 minutes 

Rest - Have an early night or a long lie 

Look after your sleep schedule and make sure you get the hours you need. Some nights try to get an early night so you are refreshed to get busy in the morning – or have a nice long lie to ease into the day on days that you can

Eating - Try to keep some healthily eating in mind

As tempted as we all get to “treat ourselves” over the Christmas period, it is important to remember the impact that food can have on our mood. Too much sugar and caffeine can cause us to peak and crash and often impact our emotions.

Drinking - Try to drink responsibly 

Many people say that alcohol helps to relax their anxiety however, drinking too much and the following hangover can often lead us to feel worse. Know your limits and stay safe. Keep hydrated by drinking water and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Relax - Move at your own pace

Don’t feel pressured to get caught up in the whirlwind and rush of Christmas. Our reality of Christmas isn’t what we see on TV and social media and that is ok! Its ok to have a day on the sofa and take a nap in the afternoon and to not be constantly rushing around

Exercise - Get Outdoors

Still go for a walk or maintain our exercise regimen during the festivities.

Mindfulness

10 minutes of Mindfulness practice each day could help to keep you grounded, calm and relaxed

Remember self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary

Merry Christmas

Love 

MOi + ME