The festive season is known for joy and merriment, but it can also bring about a sense of chaos and stress. As well as bringing its own unique way of triggering the nervous system, as it is a time filled with various sensory stimuli from bright lights to extra noise, and a cacophony of scents..

And the added stresses of never-ending to-do lists, family gatherings, and the pressure to make everything perfect can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

Making it a time that’s even more important to prioritise your wellbeing and find ways to cultivate calm amidst the chaos.

Christmas & it’s Effects on the Nervous System

The festive season, while joyful, can also trigger a stress response or activate the fight or flight response in the nervous system due to various factors. Some of the ways the festive season may do this include:

Financial Pressure: The expenses associated with gift-giving, hosting parties, and holiday expenses can cause financial stress, leading to anxiety and an activation of the stress response.

Social Obligations: The pressure to attend numerous social gatherings and meet expectations can create feelings of overwhelm and social anxiety, triggering the fight or flight response.

Time Constraints: The holiday season often comes with busy schedules and increased demands, which can lead to a sense of time pressure and stress.

Family Dynamics: For some, spending time with family during the holidays can trigger underlying tensions and conflicts, prompting a stress response.

Expectations and Perfectionism: The desire to create the perfect holiday experience, whether it's in decorating, cooking, or gift-giving, can lead to stress and anxiety if expectations aren't met.

The nervous system plays a huge role in not just our everyday health, but our ability to manage stress and stay healthy. We all have different stress triggers — things that cause a stress response in our body, or make us feel ‘unsafe’, you may recognise some of your own at this time of year above.

The body’s natural response to stress is our fight-flight-freeze-fawn response. A hormone reaction that causes elevated amounts of cortisol and adrenaline to be released into the blood stream giving our body the strength & quick reactions it needs to escape immediate danger.

The problem is this response was built to help our ancestors escape the jaws of a sabre-tooth, and is a little out of place in the modern world. Your body doesn’t recognise the difference between the threat from a sabre-tooth and your reaction to being shouted at by your boss or trying to juggle work, family life, a social calendar etc. on a schedule.

And so that adrenaline and cortisol whizzing around your system has nowhere to go, and can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, angry, and eventually exhausted and sick — Stress is one of the biggest causes of inflammation in the body, not to mention the effects it can have on your hormones, digestion, and sleep.

The best way you can deal with stress is to find ways that help your body reset and feel safe again, and have a plan of action going into this festive period that will help you to keep balanced and avoid or negate situations you know will be stressful…

Simple Ways to Stay Calm & Balanced this Festive Season

The good news is there are plenty of seasonal and holistic ways to find tranquillity and embrace the true spirit of the festive season and at the same time let go of the stress, reset your nervous system & enjoy your holiday.

Embrace Nature:

During the festive season, take the opportunity to connect with nature. Take a walk in the crisp winter air, visit a local park adorned with holiday decorations, or simply find a peaceful spot to sit and observe the beauty of the season. Spending time surrounded by nature can help ground us and provide a sense of calm.

Practice Mindful Moments:

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath, observe your surroundings, and be present in the moment. Mindful moments can be simple, such as savouring a hot cup of tea or enjoying the sight of twinkling holiday lights. These small pauses can help you slow down, reduce stress, and find inner peace.

Prioritise Self-Care:

The hustle and bustle of the festive season often leads to neglecting our own needs. Remember to prioritise self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing yoga or meditation. Prioritizing self-care allows you to recharge and better handle the demands of the season.

Create Meaningful Rituals:

Incorporate meaningful rituals into your festive season. Whether it's lighting candles, journaling your thoughts and gratitude, or practicing a favourite family tradition, rituals can bring a sense of purpose and grounding. Engaging in activities that align with your values and beliefs can help foster a deeper sense of calm and connection.

Give and Receive with Intention:

Instead of getting caught up in the commercial aspect of the festive season, focus on giving and receiving with intention. Consider meaningful gifts that promote well-being, such as books on mindfulness, essential oils, or wellness vouchers. Also, practice gratitude for the gifts you receive, no matter how small. This shift in perspective can bring about a sense of abundance and contentment.

Connect with Loved Ones:

The festive season is a time for family and friends. Take the opportunity to connect with loved ones and foster meaningful relationships. Spend quality time together, engage in heartfelt conversations, and create lasting memories. Cultivating strong connections and fostering a supportive network can provide a sense of comfort and grounding during this chaotic time.

Simplify and Let Go:

The pressure to have a perfect festive season can be overwhelming. Instead, simplify and let go of unrealistic expectations. Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Declutter your physical and mental space, prioritise meaningful experiences over material possessions, and allow yourself to let go of unnecessary stress and obligations.

Set Boundaries for Your Mental Health:

It's crucial to prioritise your mental well-being during the festive season by setting clear and healthy boundaries. Understand that it's okay to say no to certain events, gatherings, or activities if they overwhelm you or contribute to stress.

Manage your social calendar:

Be selective about the events you attend and consider the impact they may have on your energy levels. It's alright to decline invitations or limit your social engagements to prevent feeling drained or burnt out. And communicate your boundaries, let your loved ones, friends, and colleagues know what you're comfortable with, what you need, and your limitations during the festive season. Setting these expectations can help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts.

Protect your personal time:

Dedicate time for yourself and honour it without guilt. Use this time to engage in activities you enjoy, recharge, and reflect. Whether it's setting aside a few hours a day, a specific day of the week, or even taking a short vacation, making self-care a priority is essential.

Limit exposure to stress triggers:

Identify the situations, environments, or people that tend to trigger stress or anxiety for you and take proactive steps to limit your exposure to them. This might involve planning ahead, creating alternative plans, or seeking support from a trusted friend or family member.

Practice self-compassion:

Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that it's okay to prioritize your mental health and that saying no or setting boundaries is an act of self-care, not selfishness. Release any feelings of guilt or obligation that may arise when asserting your needs.

Taking care of your mental health is vital, especially during the hectic festive season. By setting healthy boundaries, you're actively protecting your well-being, managing stress levels, and ensuring a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday season for yourself. Remember, it's not only okay to put yourself first, but it's also necessary for your overall mental and emotional balance.

Seek Support:

Reach out to friends, loved ones, or professional support if needed. Talking is one of the best healers. Sharing concerns or seeking guidance can help alleviate stress and foster emotional well-being.

Remember, everyone experiences the festive season differently, so it's essential to find what works best for you in resetting and maintaining a sense of calm.

Incorporating these seasonal and holistic practices into your festive season can help you find calm amidst the chaos. Instead of focusing on the chaos embrace the essence of the season, prioritise your wellbeing, and create a peaceful and meaningful experience for yourself and your loved ones.

Remember that the true spirit of the festive season lies in moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection.

xo Emily