Top tips to help you enjoy the festive season

Braving the crowds to buy presents, transforming your house into a winter wonderland (with the air conditioning cranking), cooking the perfect festive feast, attending all the social engagements …sound familiar?

The festive season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. What can you do to preserve your sanity and survive the season? 
 

1. Take notice 
   The festive season is busy! It’s easy to forget to stop and breathe. Find some time for yourself to relax and reflect. Do what makes you feel refreshed: a swim, coffee with a friend, or read a book. 

 

2. Help others
   Volunteer for shopping centre gift-wrapping, donate a gift to someone in need, or help at a fundraising event. These are just some of the ways you can make a positive difference to the lives of others.  

 

3. Be active
   If you are feeling overwhelmed by the festive season, a brisk stroll, light jog or swim can do you the world of good. It will also help work off those extra roast potatoes and delicious desserts!  

 

4. Relax and spend time with people you love
   Spend time with your family and friends, after all, this is what the festive season is all about. Surround yourself with people who make you feel happy.  

 

5. Cash-only 
   If you celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, leave the credit cards at home and enter a shop with cash making it less tempting to overspend. Create a list of gifts you want to buy before you go shopping. 

 

6. Sleep
   During the holidays, many people are sleep deprived. Make sure you get some quality sleep—even if it’s sneaking in an afternoon nap. You’ll wake up more refreshed and ready for the social engagement.

 

7. Everything in moderation
   It may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol can be harmful. If you can’t (or don’t want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation. 

 
 
 

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