TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF CHRISTMAS

As fun as it should be, we all know the festive season can be overwhelming. These six steps can help reframe your expectations

-  GEORGIA TREVITT

Christmas is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy and celebration. But we all know the truth – Christmas can also be extremely stressful.

From financial pressure to family feuds, the never-ending to-do list and the high expectation – usually self-imposed – for everything to be absolutely perfect, the festive period can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed.

According to YouGov, a quarter of people say that Christmas makes their mental health worse, while a survey from the Mental Health Foundation found that 54% were worried about the mental health of someone they know at this time of year.

A poll by Skipton Building Society also revealed that three in 10 Brits claim their mental health takes a complete “nosedive” over the Christmas period, due to factors including money, entertaining guests and trying to keep others happy.

Hypnotherapist and coach Chloe Brotheridge explains that if you’re feeling like this, you’re not alone.

“Christmas, with its sparkle and cheer, can be a magical time, but let’s not forget, it can also stir up a whirlwind of stress and anxiety.

It’s not uncommon for the festive season to trigger these feelings,” she says. “There’s the pressure to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas, the financial strain, the packed social calendar, and sometimes, the challenging family dynamics. It can be a lot!”