Surviving the Festivities! Tip 12
And finally, after reading all the tips, (and maybe in spite of all the tips!) remember that it is a time to enjoy, to celebrate, to set yourself up for the long cold winter months ahead. You can only do so much and there will come a point when enough has to be enough.
Resolve to enjoy whatever comes your way and take the maximum pleasure from all the festive period; enjoy the spiritual side if that is important to you, enjoy the Bacchanalian side if that does it for you, and smile!
Please do share any of your own secrets and tips with us; I’d love to hear them!
Surviving the Festivities! Tip 11
Breathing is Good for You!
If you feel yourself getting a little het up or stressed, try out this very quick tension reliever:
1) Sit down
2) Close your eyes
3) Breathe out one longer breath than normal (count during a normal out breath then make this one a few counts longer- but don’t hyperventilate or make yourelf feel uncomfortable. that would be totally missing the point….)!
4) Breathe normally for a few breaths. Enjoy the sensation of resting your eyes.
5) Breathe out a longer breath again. This is having the effect of helping you take more air into your lungs and breathe more deeply without over breathing.
6) Repeat this twice more. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.
7) Carry on as normal, but hopefully a little more refreshed!
Surviving the Festivities! Tip 10
What Does it Mean to YOU?
If it is beginning to feel a bit overwhelming, now is maybe the time to have an honest conversation with yourself.
What does the Christmas season really mean to you? Do you think it’s a mad waste of money? An extravagent material feast of overspending?
Or do you love all the traditions? Do you value the opportunities to reconnect with friends and or family? Do you love the lights and bustle in the shops? Is Christmas a spiritual event for you, an important part of your faith? Be totally honest with yourself; it’s just for your eyes.
Whatever it is that gives you pleasure, are you doing enough of it, or indeed any of it? If not, take some action now to make sure you are recharging your batteries as well. And as for having to do those things you don’t like? Well, try and balance them out with something more life affirming, or try the 30 minute rule!
Surviving the Festivities! Tip 9
Take More Water!
If you can, try and have a glass of water by your side at all times during festivities. You’ll love it as, if you drink alcohol, it can help to keep you hydrated by taking a sip between slurps of eggnog or champagne.
Alcohol causes the body to become dehydrated hence the raging thirst and headache. Plenty of fluid throughout the day can help safeguard against this. And houses are usually very warm during the festive period, especially when full of more people than usual.
Plus, having that glass of water on hand also means you can bring it to your lips when a riposte best left unsaid springs to mind!
Surviving the Festivities! Tip 8
Prepare for Battle!
No, I don’t mean don your armour and hoist your sword aloft! But I do mean take a few moments to think about what might be the ‘battle’ triggers in your household.
You probably know what they are, so try and anticipate them, and in your mind’s eye see yourself rising above it all and refusing to acknowledge the jibe about your job from Uncle Seth, or the barbed comment about your marital status from another.
Tell yourself now that these things will not matter, and they won’t! Like the corny cards say, ‘Mind over matter- if you don’t mind, it don’t matter!’ Words can only bother you if you choose to let them. So choose to be calm and grown up; and let it all pass you by.
Surviving the Festivities! Tip 7
Beware the Office Party!
Office parties are a bit thinner of the ground this year, and there has certainly been some economies made, so if you have one to attend, enjoy!
However, try and keep in mind that this is still work and you are still with work colleagues. You are just as much on show at the office party as in any part of your working life. If you have been working on increasing your profile at work, the office party might be a good time to go low profile!
Yes, that wonderful song and dance routine on top of the photocopier will certainly raise your profile, and everyone will know you afterwards but……..
Have fun, don’t be a kill joy but don’t let a few hours of madness undo months of hard work. Good reputations can take ages to acquire and seconds to lose! Make sure you stay in control of yours.
