'Tis the season to be ... stressed

Don't sweat the small stuff this Xmas


I have a love-hate relationship with this time of year.  I don't know about you but I always find the run up to Xmas really stressful.  There's never enough hours in the day.  You're trying to clear your 'to do' list at work before the end of the year so you can start afresh, and you have home stresses of trying to sort out Xmas presents, family and such like.

I'm not going to bang on about what a difficult year it's been, we all know that and quite honestly, I'm bored with the whole thing now and it is what it is.  However, I have missed my annual kick-off to Xmas shopping which would have been a trip to Beverley around mid-November to visit my friend.  Although let's be honest here, there's usually more coffee drinking and chatting going on than Xmas shopping.  Online shopping is not as much fun, I like to see and touch things plus I spend 10 hours staring at a screen all day for work, I don't want to spend another couple of hours surfing the t'interweb.

Then there's the fact that you can't even arrange to meet family, friends and colleagues after work for a cheeky wine or two.  All I want to do right now is go out, get absolutely sh*tfaced and hug and kiss everyone (obviously I mean the people I'm out with, not complete strangers!).

I sound like a right grump and this is the thing isn't it when we start thinking about all the things that are stressing us and that we can't do right now.  Before we know it, we're off down the spiral staircase of self-pity.  This is the time to take ourselves outside and give our pity party brain a severe talking to.  I did, quite literally, take myself outside yesterday as it was boot camp day.  Not only that, it was Xmas boot camp at Cannon Hall - woo hoo - so out came the Xmas jumpers and hats!!  We talked and laughed (we did some exercise too, I promise) and what came out was the overriding message of how grateful we all were to have been able to keep on exercising throughout lockdown and this whole sorry mess, whether it was in person or via Zoom.  These are the times that bring you back to earth with a bump and you think "I'm so bloody lucky".

Let's make a promise to ourselves this Xmas to not get overly stressed about things, let's deal with the mile we're in right now and be grateful for the things we do have and the things we can do and forget about the things we can't do right now.  All year we've proved what adaptable creatures we are so it's time to pull on those creative strings once again and do something different this Xmas.


Things to think about this Xmas:
  • Some of us won't be able to see our families and friends this year and that's tough, but the love that bonds you together is always going to be there.  There will be other times to celebrate and in the meantime, ring them, send them photos and messages of love, Facetime them, have a Zoom call.  If you live close to each other, go for a walk (in small groups!).
  • No matter how fast you try and complete your tasks at work, you can only do your best and, I know from experience over these last few weeks that not taking a break doesn't help matters.  You'll actually feel much better if you do take a break from your screen, so don't neglect your health in a bid to try and get everything finished.
  • Nope, Xmas shopping isn't as much fun this year but by not being able to go shopping in person, it gives you an opportunity to be more creative. Do something more personal this year, if you have a talent for crafts then why not make something or print off some pics and make a photo album.  If all else fails, then at least have a glass of wine on hand whilst you're online shopping, but maybe not the whole bottle otherwise your credit card might need to be hospitalised.
  • Keep a check on your health over the festive period, ensure you balance out the chocs and wine with fruit and water and the sofa sitting with regular walks.  In addition, don't neglect your sleep.  Having a balanced approach is key, just like any other time of the year.
  • Above all else though, relax, recharge your batteries and have some fun over the festive period no matter where you are or who you're with.
Have a great week and in next week's blog we'll be reflecting back on one heck of a year.

#2020





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