Christmas and New Year don’t have to become overwhelming and we certainly don’t have to forget all that is important to our own self-care and mindful practice. So we have put together a few top tips to help support you in remaining balanced and looking after you over the festive period. 

1. Get outside for a walk. - Ok so we have spoken about this A LOT over the last few weeks but getting out for a mindful walk in nature is incredible for recharging the batteries. If you have been super busy entertaining or visiting others, or have been cooped up watching the classics and indulging (nothing wrong with either of those by the way) then getting outside can really help to re-centre our mind and body. Using social media can be a great way to search for local walking groups too that may be meeting for a social and a walk, a great way to expand your network of friends. 
2. Maintain an awareness of what you are eating. - This can be a difficult one with so many temptations around the festive season but if you know it’s going to make you feel a whole lot worse then be a little more mindful before it passes your lips. Maintain a healthy balance. 
3. Take some time to do what YOU want to do. It's easy to think about others during the festive season and completely forget about ourselves. And you deserve some time to do exactly what you want to do as well. So if that's curling up with a good book, a home spa day, a cat nap or whatever else takes your fancy then go for it! Self-care is NEVER selfish!
4. Make a list (and check it twice). - No but seriously, making a main list of what needs to be done and then breaking it down into daily tasks can really help keep things from creeping into overwhelm. Also creating a visual calendar of what’s happening and when also allows you to see where you can have those little gaps of self-care and rest too. 
5. Try something new. - One of the things that we really love to do as a family is talking to others and research online also, what festive traditions others like to keep and try them out for ourselves. This year we created mindful advent calendars for our tiny humans, with little messages for each day that feeds their little minds with goodness. A few years ago we started the tradition of a reverse advent calendar for the local food bank, again supporting the children in how to help others this season. It’s beautiful to try something new or even invent your own tradition to freshen things up and have something wonderful to pass on. 

As always, if you are seeking support this winter visit our website https://www.youinmind.org/