How are you feeling now that the festive season is around the corner? There’s no doubt that Christmas this year will look a bit different for many of us for a multitude of reasons.
Here is how to prioritise your well-being this Christmas.
It’s important to acknowledge feelings as we approach Christmas. These can range from various undertones of tiredness to burnout, to physical fatigue and for others, mental exhaustion. 2020 has brought with it many challenges. Your feelings are valid.
Chris Pinner, founder of Innerfit, a company that drives real change in attitude towards workplace well-being, comments: “Very few of us will be expecting to feel in peak physical condition towards the end of this year. Try to strike a healthy balance this Christmas. When it comes to health and well-being, start with the end in mind: how do you want to feel over the festive period? The Christmas period can offer a restorative and healthy time if you get the balance right. So, enjoy the mince pies, stuffing and wine, and be sure to balance it with something healthy that you enjoy. Indulge, but do it guilt-free. That way January will not bring with it unrealistic targets. There’s a reason 75% of the Brits who set New Year Resolutions fail!”.
Our team has also shared their four top tips for approaching Christmas this year –
+ Take stock by looking back at your 2020 and really appreciate the alternative life experiences the year has brought with it. Now’s the time to make a list of what (and who) has brought you joy, helped and supported you through every day and all those reasons to be grateful. You did it! Celebrate your successes and know that 2021 is another chance to make memories, accomplish dreams and marvel at the beauty of a rainbow after the rain.
+ Look in on loved ones – those who may be shielding, the vulnerable, isolated and lonely. Support comes in so many forms, and know that every act of kindness will give birth to more kindness. Whether you offer to do a food shop or jump on a video call to connect with someone to find out how that person is really doing by listening and not judging. Be assured it is guaranteed to lift both your spirits.
+ As this year was so different, it’s the perfect opportunity to establish new and alternative festive traditions and activities. Plan ahead, taking into regard the existing restrictions (bubbles and gatherings) and decide on what will bring happiness. Don’t be daunted or feel pressurised. If that means changing or not doing some of the usual Christmas activities or postponing the celebrations to Easter or Summer, discuss it together and make the occasion something to really look forward to in 2021. We especially appreciated the lyrics of ‘Winter Song‘ as the colder months swept in recently:
“I still believe in summer days.
The seasons always change
And life will find a way.”
+ Finally, make time for you. Carve out some allocated time every day to look after your health and well-being. Whether it is settling down for daily meditation, a walk with the dog during the day to take in the daylight (and your dose of Vitamin D) or a mindful moment switching off your phone to escape the online world’s intrusions and notifications.
On behalf of the team here at Church House Westminster, we’d like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
For more information please do get in touch via our contact form or give us a call on 020 7390 1590 to discuss your event.