189Who’s ready for
Christmas? You
are! Face the big
day head on with
these tips for a
zen-like holiday
C
hristmas is
coming faster
than a freight
train and there’s a
million things to do.
Don’t be derailed! Here
at BHG, we subscribe to
the well-proven theory
that if Mama ain’t happy,
nobody’s happy! So, put
yourself front and centre
for a change; take time
out to pamper yourself
pretty and to celebrate
with friends. While
you’re at it, ditch any
unrealistic expectations
that ramp up seasonal
stress. Best Christmas
ever? Coming right up!▲for you!
’tis the season
3
DON’T SWEAT
THE SMALL
STUFF
Didn’t get the house painted,
landscaping completed or
skirting boards scrubbed
clean with a toothbrush in
time to have people over? Oh
dear. Better cancel the
festivities! Seriously, if there’s
anything you should cross off
your to-do list, it’s worrying
about things like this. No-
one’s judging you. Stress less,
enjoy more!1
Adopt a
new mantra
Repeat after us ‘not my
circus, not my monkeys’.
Remember, just because
someone’s throwing a drama
party, doesn’t mean you have to
attend. Do not be drawn in! Of
course, sometimes it is your circus
and they are your monkeys...
good luck with that!2
Even if you love the hustle and
bustle of the season, stress can
still take hold. It might manifest as
a tension headache or even mild
anxiety. If you begin to feel overwhelmed,
try this relaxing, deep-breathing activity
known as the 4–7–8 method, made
popular by American integrative medicine
expert Dr Andrew Weil.- Place your tongue against the top of
your mouth just behind your teeth and
keep it there throughout the exercise. The
idea is to exhale around your tongue. - Inhale. Exhale completely through
your mouth, making a whooshing sound. - Close your mouth and inhale quietly
through your nose for a count of four. - Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your
mouth for a count of eight. - This forms one breath. Inhale again
and repeat the exercise three more times.
This breathing technique acts like a
natural tranquilliser. You may experience
some light-headedness at first, but this is
normal. Start out slow and only do the
exercise a couple of times each day.
Breathe
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