Starting December slowly

Its December! And for many of us, that means Christmas. As exciting as Christmas can be, it is also one of the more stressful times of year for many. It's an important time of year to allow ourselves to slow down and rest before we enter the New year. Here I have created a list of things I will be focusing on this December to allow myself to reap the full benefits of the festive season!

1. Plan things out in advance.

   This may seem like a simple and obvious piece of advice. However, this is often overlooked as our to-do list endlessly grows. There are often so many things we want to do and achieve around the festive period and sometimes this can be overwhelming. I have found that instead of trying to cram in every Christmas activity that there is - it is more beneficial to narrow it down to the few things you really want to do and focus on that. keep it simple!

2. Prioritize those most important to you.

   Every year I find myself trying to see almost everyone to the point where I am tired and sick of going out and socialising. Try not to burn yourself out in the lead up to Christmas - this is often easier said than done - but it's important to remember. There is a whole year approaching that you can dedicate time to different people. Most importantly remember to prioritise yourself - you deserve to enjoy the holidays just as much as everyone else!

3. Get creative!

   The festive season is a great time to allow yourself to be playful and creative! Christmas allows so many passions and hobbies to be expressed and it's a great time to embrace it! This can be done in so many ways such as baking, arts and crafts, music, writing and so much more. Allow yourself the time to embrace the fun of the holidays - these small moments are often the things we remember in years to come! The simpler activities after often the more enjoyable at this time of year.

4. Create a welcoming and calming space for yourself.

   Just as the season around us begins to retreat - the holidays are a great time to take a break and relax. Creating a calming but festive spot and atmosphere for yourself can be a great way to decompress and destress. This may be by lighting some candles in the evening or hanging cute Christmas decorations up. Make the holidays what you need. Cater the festivities to fit around you rather than the other way around.

5. Slow down & get outside

   It is easy to spend all our time inside, especially as the colder weather rolls around. However, this is a great time to get outside and appreciate the season around us. There is so much beauty and magic to be found and seen within the winter seasons. Taking a slow winter walk is a great way to clear your mind and slow down for a moment. Nature has such a great effect on our mental health and can be so healing during stressful times. This is also a great activity to spend time with friends and family without having to spend money or rush around.

   
   

6. Create a daily routine

   Christmas can be such a busy time of year and it's important to create a daily routine. By doing this it can allow you to take time for yourself to pause and appreciate the season. It's easy to get swept away by the many things going on. Carving time out of your day to have a warm drink in the morning, or a quiet time to journal in the evening can be the most beneficial thing you do for yourself this Christmas. Allow yourself to breath.

Hopefully, this Christmas is a time when we can all pause and rest for a moment before we start the new year. Let me know any other great ways you may be slowing down this December!

Lizzie Lou xx