"It's ok not to love Christmas"

"Are you all set for Christmas?" is one of the most frequently asked questions during the first few weeks of December, and the truth is that a lot of us aren't.

What is labelled as "the most wonderful time of the year" can be quite the opposite for many.

Festive-stress comes in all shapes and sizes and can snowball (excuse the pun) if not dealt with properly.

Whether it's memories of loss, thoughts of having to host a huge banquet, relations calling to visit, or all the nights out ahead - we are all affected by the change in routine.

Speaking on Dermot and Dave's Mind Yourself Now, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist Fiona Brennan offers her guidance to a stress-free Christmas via three important questions and three practical steps you can put in place:

Questions:

What is your relationship with Christmas like? - Not everyone enjoys the festive period, and that's ok. Fiona says, "When you give yourself permission to feel like that, you are going to enjoy it more".

Can you let go of expectations of yourself and others? - Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect. Don't add any unnecessary pressure.

Why are you celebrating Christmas? - Focus on the "why" rather than the "how". It's about love, family, connections and an open perspective. Strip back the material things and focus on the true meaning.

Steps:

Keep up a really good self-care routine - when you look after yourself, you are much more able to create a positive energy. Don't switch off just because it's Christmas.

Give the gift of gratitude - reflect and be thankful for what you have. Fiona suggest writing a letter to everyone at the table explaining what you are grateful to them over the past 12 months.

Set your intention - how do you want to feel this Christmas - as opposed to what you want to get or do

Fiona also hosts a two minute positive energy meditation to help calm your mind. Listen below:

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2019/12/16125210/FIONAS-CHRISTMAS-MEDITATION.mp3"][/audio]

For more information, check out, and contact Fiona on her website www.thepositivehabit.com 

Catch our expert's advice in full by pressing the play button on screen.