Don't Let the Build up to Christmas Ruin Your Festive Season

With the biggest day of the year only a matter of weeks away it’s easy to get caught up in the festive madness of fighting through the shops, supermarkets and crowded streets. This year slow things down and remind yourself about what Christmas is really about: love, hope, sharing, family and friends. Kirsty Gallagher one of the UK's top yoga teachers shares her tips on to keep the peace this Christmas and make sure you enjoy every last moment.

Bring yourself back down to earth

The energy at this time of year can be quite hectic so help keep yourself grounded with some deeply relaxing Yin yoga. Choose some of your favourite seated or lying poses (think nice easy twists and happy baby). Hold each pose for 2-5 minutes, closing your eyes and breathing deeply. This simple act will help you to stay grounded all through the holiday season.

Breathe Breathe Breathe

 Feel your stress levels rising?  Breathe. Lie comfortably on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor about hip-distance apart placing a palm on your abdomen and breathing comfortably for a few moments. Gradually begin to breathe into your hand feeling your belly rise with each inhale and release with each exhale. Make the breath as deep, relaxed and smooth as possible, introducing a slight pause after each breath in and out. Continue for around 10 breaths or as long as you like. 

Spend time not money

At a time of year consumed with spending and buying and being it’s easy to get drawn into running around the shops in a mad trolley dash and forgetting what Christmas is really all about. Why not give your time freely instead, and make memories instead of spending money. Agree with friends and family that rather than buying each other gifts you’ll spend time together enjoying each other’s company and sharing love and friendship.

Be Grateful

Rather than focus on the lack of presents being bought, not enough money or time make a list of 3/5 things to be grateful for – your amazing family and friends, the beautiful decorations that you passed in the street, having a roof over your head, sitting in a warm cosy house, the fact you have food in the cupboards (most likely filled with  more food than you could ever possibly eat at this time of year!) the mince pies..you get the picture.  

Enjoy yourself

This is a time all about family, friends and being together, so over Christmas even if it’s just for the one day leave work, emails and all stresses behind and be fully present in the moment. See if you can recapture some of the magic you used to love as a child and enjoy precious time shared with your loved ones 

Try to stay healthy

It's so easy to overindulge at this time of year and this can leave you feeling sluggish, cause weight gain and put stress on your digestive system.  Start each day with a green smoothie or get a hit of fruit, vegetables and nutrients into your body early on in the day. If you do happen to overindulge don’t stress and certainly don’t throw in the towel and go into full-on overindulgence, after all a little slip here and there over Christmas is to be expected.