How to have the perfect christmas

It's less than 4 weeks to Christmas and as I write this I've got Nigella in the background demonstrating all the luscious Xmas treats that I could be making for friends and family.

And I'm guessing that most people reading this will already be well on their way to having all the pressies bought, the cards looked out all ready to write and the Xmas food order selected and placed.

So what more can you do to make sure you have the perfect Xmas?

Well, may I suggest that you throw out all your expectations of a perfect Xmas!  There's no such thing - except in TV supermarket ads.  And aiming for perfection is stressful, unrealistic and will leave you feeling exhausted.

Instead, may I suggest that you focus on how to have a HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

By all means be organised, there's always a lot to do at this time of year, so having a plan of what to do and when will help you feel more in control.  And if you can manage to plan for some down time to counteract all that hard work and partying you'll really feel the benefit.

Regular Reflexology

Don't skip that regular Reflexology treatment because you're too busy, it's even more important at this time of year to have some real down time. The extra work that Christmas creates stretches your energy levels to the limit, the partying and Christmas treats will put extra strain on your body, especially your elimination system, the stress of trying to make everything go well can take your emotional balance to the limit, added to which this can be a busy time at work for many people, piling on the work and stress.

Relax for Five Minutes

Relaxation is the antidote to stress and all the negative mindsets that can be associated with it.  Think of relaxation like brushing your teeth: you don't stop brushing your teeth because you know how to do it, you brush your teeth regularly because you eat regularly and that causes plaque to build up.  So, if you don't want to stop living or avoid challenges in life you will encounter pressure or stress.  As relaxation neutralises stress then regular relaxation prevents a build up of stress and helps you to stay calm under pressure.  The more pressure/stress, the more you need to relax.  And 5 minutes a couple of times a day can be enough to keep you in control.  Try this short exercise:

• Find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down for 5 minutes.
• Close your eyes and relax in a comfortable position.
• Now let your breathing relax.
• Notice how you become more relaxed with each out breath.
• Now, imagine yourself standing before an open window.
• See a beautiful bubble come floating in, landing on the floor and growing until it is bigger than you.
• Step into it.  You are feeling totally protected.
• You know that nothing and no one can harm you when you are inside your beautiful bubble.
• Take a moment to enjoy that feeling of safety and security.
• Now notice where that feeling is located in your body.
• And crank up the intensity.  Really make that feeling of safety and security as strong as you possibly can.
• Enjoy that feeling.
• Then, when you're ready, turn your attention to your breathing again.
• And after a few breaths, open your eyes and come back into the room.
• Now have a bit of a stretch, a wriggle and a shake to get yourself into everyday mode.
  
  

And if you want to spread that Xmas cheer, what about a gift voucher for a treatment.  You can pay online and the voucher will be sent out to you.

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