Coping with Christmas 2020

As we approach Christmas 2020, I have to say I am not met with the same level of excitement as usual. There is no doubt that this year, Christmas will be very different for all of us. However, Christmas is swiftly followed by the new year, and 2021 may seem like a world away right now, but a new year brings with it a sense of hope for normality. 

I understand that there’s been a long-held cultural perception that Christmas must be perfect with stockings by the open fire, a Christmas tree with loads of presents below and being surrounded by loved ones, but this is not the case (especially in 2020). Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year!

A mantra I try to stick to is: ‘Just fine is absolutely perfect’

Through my consultancy, KMA Occupational Therapy, and 20+ years as an Occupational Therapist, I’ve helped many people for whom Christmas has become the climax to a particularly low point in their life, one where the pressures of the season combined with other life challenges become too much to bear.

As a working mother of three, I’ve always been fond of Christmas. However, I’m also all too familiar with the stress it brings… The panic of trying to live up to my children’s high expectations… will they like their presents? Getting to see family and friends… (which is on pause this year) and of course, the financial pressures. There is an enormous expectation that we should strive for perfection but, in reality, life is not a John Lewis Advert.

A mantra I abide by and recommend to my clients is ‘just fine is absolutely perfect’. So what if it’s not the dream Christmas? Happiness and health is far more important.

I also realise these expectations can be difficult to set aside and still cause anxiety. So, I’d like to share with you my top tips for coping with Christmas. 

These are easy to follow and simple tips which will not solve everything, but they will help you to stay calm and pragmatic during stressful times.

For more tips, have a read of our previous blog. 

Techniques

Square Breathing

Breathing techniques can be effective in helping you relax when you are feeling overwhelmed. A simple technique, which can be done anywhere, is ‘square breathing’…

•       Close your eyes, visualise drawing a square
•       Breathe in through your nose for four as you draw the first side
•       Breathe out through your mouth for four as you draw the second side
•       Repeat these steps for the next two sides, complete the square
•       Notice how you feel

This technique’s effectiveness gets better the more you do it, so start practising now. Conduct the exercise two/three times a day in the lead up to Christmas. Then, when those pressured moments come, you’ll know just the trick to calm you down.

Muscle relaxation

Faced with stress, our bodies automatically become tense. However, we can also relax the mind through tension exercises which ultimately relax the body.

To start, stand up straight against a wall or lie on a firm bed or sofa. Focusing on a body part at a time, go through this sequence three times

1) Tense a body part, hold it for a few moments, then relax

2) Tense a body part with just enough tension to notice, then relax

3) Just pay attention to each muscle group and decide to relax it

Again, practise this ahead of the big day. So, when you find that tension building, whether that’s from pacifying family feuds or burning the turkey, you can take five minutes to relax the muscles and calm the mind.

Stay hydrated

Christmas can be a particularly boozy time for many of us but in between the wine and beer, it is vital to stay hydrated. All our organs, including our brain, need water to properly function. Dehydration can lead to more stress as it causes us to breathe heavily and our heart rate to increase – putting more pressure and stress on the body. Make sure you alternate between water and alcoholic drinks, not only will this help avoid a hangover but it will also aid you to stay focused, more productive and to stay calm!

For more information on hydration, have a read of our previous blog.

I hope these tips will help you to find a bit of solace in what will be a difficult Christmas for many. When I reflect back on this year, I must admit I do feel deflated but I have accepted that and however you feel about it, it has been a testing time.

I am so ready for 2021, and I hope we will be able to celebrate twofold next year for all the events missed.