Finding Calm Amid the Christmas Chaos

Christmas often feels more stressful than we anticipate.

The endless to-do lists—shopping, attending events, organising gatherings, and preparing meals—can quickly become overwhelming. Amid all this activity, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time to pause and catch your breath.

The pressure to make everything perfect, from finding the right gifts to creating memorable moments, can take its toll. Add in the hustle and bustle of crowded stores, packed schedules, and the expectation to stay cheerful throughout, and the season can start to feel more like a burden than a celebration.

Self-hypnosis can be a powerful tool to help you unwind. By tapping into your subconscious mind, you can imagine yourself lying on a warm tropical beach, allowing you to escape the cold—even if just for a moment.

Practicing self-hypnosis can be surprisingly simple. Start by relaxing all the muscles in your face. Focus first on your forehead and the area between your eyes. Once these muscles are relaxed, move on to the muscles around your nose, mouth, and cheeks. Gradually, let your face become completely expressionless. Then, take a deep breath and feel the relaxation flow through your entire body. With practice, this process can become second nature.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take just five minutes for yourself to do this exercise. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you’ll feel. And if you can visualise that tropical beach while you’re at it, consider it a bonus!

Above all, I hope everyone finds joy this Christmas and stays healthy, avoiding the colds and flu that are circulating. Turn on the radio and sing along to those classic Christmas tunes—no matter how cheesy they may seem.

When we look back on past Christmases, it’s not the price of the gifts under the tree that we cherish but the love and memories shared with those around us.