Because it is possible to slow down, take stock and stay present amid the chaos 

It’s ironic that the holiday season – a time for love, joy and connection, can bring with it so much stress and trepidation. It’s even worse if you’re a perfectionist or a people pleaser because you’ll feel compelled to make sure that everyone around you is living their best life too. But it doesn’t have to be that way and rather than focusing on spending a fortune and socialising to the point of exhaustion, see it as a time to seek out fun and joy in more meaningful ways.  

“By making time for yourself, to slow down, to change the narrative and decide how you want to navigate the holidays, on your own terms, can be transformational. It can also help you to feel more present when you’re with family and friends,” says Gill Thackray, author and founder of Koru Development that run courses to help you find your power and potential. 

From activities that reconnect you with loved ones to solo tasks that nourish your mind, body and soul, here’s 7 ways to make every moment matter… 

1. Prioritise power naps 

We’re not saying leave your guests hanging at the dinner table while you shoot off for a nap, however, when you’ve got time in the day – planning in some moments of rest can be the reset button you need. Studies show that between 1pm and 4pm is the best time to snooze as the body is naturally more accommodating of daytime sleep because there’s a dip in your circadian rhythm. 20 minutes is enough to get you firing on all cylinders when you wake. 

2. Go on a scavenger hunt 

While spending time with loved ones is something to be treasured, it can end up being a pressure pot so by planning something fun, it allows you to bond and connect in a different way. Scavenger hunts are a great idea. Available in towns and cities all over the world, simply go to mycityhunt and everything you need will be sent directly to your phone. Done on foot, the games encourage you to work together, explore your surroundings and learn something new. It’s also a fab way to get some fresh air. 

3. Create a new habit  
Schedules often fall to the wayside during holiday season but daily habits can help to ground you and stop feelings of overwhelm. “Harvard professor, Mike Norton found that people who use habits and check in points feel more positive,” says Gill. “It can be anything from a morning tea, spending time in green spaces to reconnect with the earth to a mindful minute focusing on your breath.” A good way to implement this is if you have an advent calendar, attach your practice to that to help build the habit. So, after you’ve been for a walk or had your coffee, then open the calendar. By the time holiday season is over, whatever you've chosen to focus on will be second nature. 

4. Tap out 

Tapping or EFT (emotional freedom technique) is a recognised way to deal with anxiety and stress. “It helps you take charge of certain situations,” explains Jennifer Soran Boon, inner wisdom coach and author of Be the Change: A Healing and Empowering Handbook for Women. “It involves tapping along energy meridians and my go-to person to follow is Brad Yates on YouTube as he has numerous topics which really help with holiday stress. 

5. Candle gazing 

Meditation is an amazing way to bring your body into rest mode but it doesn’t always come naturally and can feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. That’s where candle gazing can help, says Aisling Rasekh, yoga teacher and energy healer. “Candle gazing is a beautiful way of enhancing your meditation practice and taking it from internal to external. Instead of having your eyes closed while you meditate, they’re open but the flame gives you a focus, so you don’t get distracted by what else is going on.” 

“You can candle gaze sitting on your sofa, on the floor, at your desk or even on your yoga mat,” she continues. “Take a single wick candle, light it, put yourself in a comfortable position (ideally with a vertical spine) and watch the way the light moves and shifts. You can even connect your breath to the candle flicker. You’ll find it becomes quite hypnotic and will help you feel more centred and grounded in a short space of time.” 

6. Do one thing at a time 

Multi-tasking is something that becomes expected at this time of year but it’s an immediate drain on your resources – both physically, mentally and often financially. Whether it’s cooking, wrapping presents, coordinating plans, working, it’s the fast-track route to creating stress. Instead try and focus on just one thing, be present in that moment and see it as self-care rather than being lazy. “When you look after your needs and they’re met, you’ll have more reserves in your tank and will give from a place of love – not from the place of resentment and obligation because you’re overstretched,” says Jennifer. 

7. Practice self-soothing 

The art of touch can help reconnect you with your senses and scientifically it calms and soothes your mind and body. It has all the same effects if you DIY it too. Massage in a hand cream and focus on every joint, in between the fingers and on the pressure points in your palms; roll a tennis ball under the soles of your feet to relieve tightness in the arches (excellent if you’ve been partying hard) and gently tug your hair – an ancient massage therapy technique, pull it just enough to feel the scalp move and you’ll instantly feel any pent up tension melt away.