Well hello to you my reader chums! Tis' the season for big social gatherings, festive markets and everyone's calendars being fully booked, and sometimes, it can feel pretty overwhelming. 

If you're someone who finds the festive season a little bit hectic and stressful, here's my guide on how to find moments of calm at Christmas. 

Book out designated 'you' time

It can seem impossible to have any kind of 'you' time over the festive season, especially with a busy calendar, however, it is possible. The best way to do this is by booking out regular 'you' time which suits you. Whether it's an hour every day or a dedicated day a week, choose something which works with your schedule and wellbeing. It could even be 10 minutes before bed after a social gathering to unwind and take that time to reflect on your mind.

Set boundaries for yourself in social settings

Boundaries are key for your mental health and wellbeing, especially during an overwhelming period. I struggle with social anxiety and find if there's too much socialising, I need that time to build my social coins up again, ensuring my wellbeing is intact for other events. For this reason, if you struggle in social settings, set boundaries. Give yourself a get-out clause or an excuse to allow you to leave when you like, such as you need to drive home. Alternatively, set yourself a time for when you want to leave as this gives you an estimated time to leave the social setting. 

Also, another thing to consider is learning to say no. Just because you've been invited to every event, it doesn't mean you have to attend them all. Attend the social occasions that suit you and you'll enjoy them, rather than going to ones out of festive pressure.

Don't overbook the calendars 

This is probably the hardest thing to do, especially when you want to fit family, friends, your partner and any work plans into the short month of December. However, make sure you keep evenings free and a day at the weekend here or there to schedule in that designated 'you' time or do something festive you're planning on your own accord. An overbooked calendar will add to the Christmas anxiety and cause additional stress. 

Implement exercise into your daily routine 

Exercise and fresh air are life's medicine as cheesy as they say and honestly make a world of difference on a day-to-day basis in the festive period. When it comes to exercise, it doesn't need to be intense or something you're not used to, it can be slow exercise. Slow exercise can mean a stretching routine, pilates or taking a leisurely walk around your street. As long as you feel the benefits of moving your body, it can do wonders for your mental health.

Practise gratitude and mediation 

I've written many articles about gratitude and how it can change your life for the better. It helps you find the good things in life, even when everything isn't going well, and that can easily be applied to Christmas when some of us feel overwhelmed. Practising gratitude and naming everything you're grateful for can switch your mindset and help you feel a sense of calm. Mediation aids the practising of gratitude; they're two practises which go hand in hand. Mediation brings you back to the moment, whilst gratitude helps point out the little things of the day bringing you joy.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips would you add?

Thank you for reading <3