Christmas stress busting tips

Top 12 festive stress-busters:

• Plan the festive season well in advance - especially the cooking.
• Try not to leave everything to the last moment. The holiday should be fun - not a trial.
• Make a list of gifts you want to buy, and get the satisfaction of ticking them off as you go. Be sensible with your presents and don't get carried away.
• Wrap the presents as you buy them, rather than leaving them all until the last minute
• If you hate all the bustle and queuing, try shopping out of hours when shops are open late, or take advantage of the opportunities for shopping on the internet. Focus on the pleasure your gifts will bring, rather than the hassle of buying them.
• Make some time for yourself over the holiday. Read a book you've been meaning to read, or buy a relaxation tape, switch off from the festive atmosphere and think about your body and mind.
• At least once a day, think about all the good things in your life, instead of the 'not so good'.hold that thought for the day and you may even catch yourself smiling!
• Make time for other people. Visit an elderly relative or the person next door, track down a long-lost friend, or give up some time to help a charity or your local community. They will benefit - and so will you.
• If you're feeling lonely, make a phone call to a friend or even someone you don't know (such as the Samaritans who are on call 24 hours a day).
• With the pressures of the materialistic society, remember that the best things in life are free. The scent of frost on a December morning ... the smoke from a log fire ... a walk in the park as the light fails ...
• Cherish the time for reconnecting with your family and friends.
• Don't magnify your problems by thinking that everyone else is having a better time than you are. The chances are they are not!

Best wishes for the festive season from all at The Carole Spiers Group - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk Telephone: 0208 954 1593