Good Enough is Good Enough! Becci Shares 5 Top Tips for Coping with the Pressures of the Festive Season
Good Enough is Good Enough! Becci Shares 5 Top Tips for Coping with the Pressures of the Festive Season
5 Top Tips for Coping with the Pressures of the Festive Season
The festive season can be a magical time of year, but let’s face it, it can also feel overwhelming. With expectations to be joyful, social, and organised, the reality for many of us might be far from the glossy scenes we see on TV or social media. If you’re feeling the pressure or just not very festive, that’s okay. Here’s how to care for yourself during this time and take some of the weight off your shoulders.
1. Set Boundaries and Honour Them
The festive season often comes with an avalanche of social events, family commitments, and endless to-do lists. It’s essential to remind yourself that you don’t have to say “yes” to everything.
Think about what truly matters to you and prioritise that. Politely decline invitations that feel more like obligations, and don’t feel guilty about it. Setting boundaries can help you conserve your energy for the things and people that genuinely bring you joy.
Personal Tip: Practice saying, “Thank you so much for the invite, but I’m not able to make it this time.” Simple, kind, and effective.
2. Be Honest About How You’re Feeling
There’s a lot of societal pressure to be merry and bright, but if you’re feeling low, anxious, or simply exhausted, pretending otherwise can make things worse. Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend or family member. Letting someone know you’re struggling can ease the weight and open up space for genuine connection.
Personal Tip: Journaling is another powerful way to process your emotions. Even 5 minutes of writing down your thoughts can help you feel more grounded and in control. I like the 3-2-1 method which I will create a video for and post it it here in the coming days…
3. Schedule Time for Yourself
In the hustle and bustle of December, self-care often takes a backseat. Make an appointment with yourself—literally! Put time in your calendar for things that make you feel relaxed and recharged, whether that’s a quiet walk, a hot bath, or simply curling up with a good book.
Personal Tip: Create a small ritual you look forward to each day, like a morning coffee in silence or a 10-minute evening stretch. These little pockets of calm can anchor you. I like a quiet coffee in the morning before the rest of the family wake up!
4. Simplify Where You Can
There’s no rulebook that says everything has to be perfect. Shop online to save time, or suggest a Secret Santa to reduce the number of gifts to buy. If you’re hosting, consider a potluck to share the workload. Simplifying doesn’t mean you’re cutting corners—it means you’re being kind to yourself.
Personal Tip: Ask yourself, “Will this really matter next year?” If the answer is no, it’s okay to let it go or take the easier option.
5. Practice Gratitude in Small Doses
When you’re feeling stressed or disconnected, practising gratitude can help shift your mindset and rewire neural pathways. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just write down three small things you’re grateful for each day. These could be as simple as a warm cup of tea, a kind smile from a stranger, or the comfort of your favourite jumper.
When I was really unwell a few years ago (high anxiety and low mood) all I wrote for a week was coffee, slippers, bed! It wasn’t much but it was just enough to get my gratitude practice started and helped on my way to taking steps to feel much better.
Personal Tip: Pair your gratitude practice with another habit, like brushing your teeth or drinking your morning coffee, to make it part of your daily routine – we call it habit stacking!
A Personal Reflection
This weekend, I popped into town with my brilliant daughter Lily (Boo). I was meant to get my eyes tested, so I headed down the stairs of a well-known optical firm into a windowless and packed-out waiting room in the middle of the second-to-last Saturday before Christmas. I felt a surge of anxiety – it was too warm, too busy and, frankly, too much! I think Lily spotted this and immediately repeated my advice that I had given to her only two weeks earlier. She said, “Remember that we have choice, and it’s okay to change our minds and, in this case, just leave!” It was a revelation to hear my words played back to me, and I didn’t have to think about it twice! We hot-footed it out of there and went for a nice lunch instead. The eye test can wait a couple of weeks!
Remember: It’s Okay Not to Feel Festive
The holidays can bring up a mix of emotions for many people, and that’s completely normal. Give yourself permission to celebrate (or not) in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether it’s embracing the traditions you love, creating new ones, or opting out entirely, the most important thing is to prioritise your well-being.
Take it one day at a time, and be gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.
Wishing you peace and calm during this season, however you choose to spend it.
Becci x
