The end of year celebrations are never relaxing, even if we have a vacation. Advice from a coach to live this period as best as possible, without forgetting yourself.
One week before the holidays, the level of fatigue is already exacerbated by the intensity of preparations and social obligations. The “holidays” that are approaching are not really and, instead of feeling rested and relaxed, you find yourself flat. “We run in all directions and we feel like we don’t have time to settle down.” confirms well-being coach Guylene Borgne. The end-of-year celebrations are surrounded byhigh expectations (almost gourmet meal, decoration, gifts…) and this pressure can create significant stress. Without forgetting the load professional. “At the end of the year, we have to complete all the tasks and missions, close the budgets… it’s an intense period at work” continues our interlocutor. Here’s how to hold on!
During the preparations
► Anticipate to do as many tasks as possible in advance limit the risk of holiday rushes. “Make some lists of things to do or shopping to buy to avoid forgetting and last-minute stress. Write down what you need to do reduces the mental load and allows us to visualize those that are checked as we go” suggests Guylene Borgne. Same thing if you have trouble falling asleep in the evening: “Take a post-it and write down your ideas on paper to unload your brain.“
►Dask for help and delegate certain tasks. “Stop wanting to control everything“insists the well-being coach. “Often, people do not dare to ask for help because they believe that it is proof that they are not capable of doing it and they feel guilty. You are human, you can’t do everything alone. and you don’t necessarily have the time” reminds our expert. Be kind to yourself. Have one person bring dessert, another take care of drinks, etc.
► Know how to say “no”. “You have to listen to yourself and know how to say “stop” when you are overloaded” recommends Guylene Borgne. Learning to say no if the demands of those around us are excessive is a right, even during the holiday season.
► Get some fresh air. Overwhelmed by preparations, we put aside our physical activities. Error. THE sport restores energy and lowers tension levels. “A walk outside, even for around thirty minutes reboosts and clears the mind“recommends the well-being coach.”Anything that allows you to think about something else will do you good. On the other hand, with accumulated fatigue, we do not force ourselves, we prefer the moderate activities adapted to energy level so as not to get hurt.“
► Allow yourself moments of solitude and calm. “We need to make time for ourselves. It may be a appointment at the hairdresser, to go and do massage or go out for coffee. This time can also take the form of a time slot in the week preceding the holidays. For example, on Wednesday from such and such an hour, I impose some time on myself to take a nap or take a bath” advises Guylene Borgne.
► Focus on vitamin C.”Think of fruits like clementines, rich in vitamins” suggests the well-being coach. Conversely, we limit excess alcohol to stay in shape and “we avoid compensating for the drop in energy by over-consumption of caffeine” defends our interlocutor. Also think about drink lots of water because a good hydration stimulates the body.
Read also
D-day
► Breathe. “When you wake up, take 5 minutes to meditate or do deep breathing exercises. This will help you get the most out of your day.” recommends Guylene Borgne. A short session of yoga, pilates or stretching can help you stay calm. Just as the sophrology : “Take 5 minutes out of your day. Sit in a comfortable place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. This exercise relaxes the body and slows the heart rate” advises our expert.
► Mute your phone to concentrate on family moments, when you are at the table. You’ve been preparing this for so long that you have to take advantage of it NOW.
► Don’t go to bed too late. We don’t force ourselves to stay up late if we feel tired. Respect your need for sleep, even during the most festive times, and go to sleep without feeling guilty. “When we are rested, we are able to gain perspective on the situation and be more relaxed.” defends Guylene Borgne. Especially sincebetween December 24 and 31, a week of celebrations awaits you. You have to take care to appreciate it better.
Thanks to Guylène Borgne, well-being and health coach, sophrologist and ex-nurse.