Keep calm and carry on!

The run up to Christmas is a prime time for overwhelm. Expectations that everything will be perfect and that everyone will have an endlessly amazing time can be just too much. Try answering the following questions to help keep yourself resourceful.

Keep things in perspective: what’s the worst that can happen? And if it does, what will you do?

The turkey is ruined! So grab something else from the fridge, or an emergency meal from the freezer, and revel in the fact that you have a great story to tell in the future. No-one will go hungry.

How would you like things to be? You don’t have to do things a set way. You don’t have to go anywhere or do anything if you don’t want to.

This is an especially important question for anyone who is going through a difficult time, and also for the ‘people pleasers’ out there. Your own needs and wishes are important too. A good start is to think through what you would actually like to do before you agree to anything. Then you have a basis for decision, discussions and any compromises or creative solutions.

What is actually important? Take the pressure off yourself a bit. Focus on what really matters.

If you are hosting a party, so what if your Christmas tree is not perfectly decorated/not decorated at all? So what if you didn’t manage to prepare all the food and drink quite as you planned? On reflection, what most people value is time together with a relaxed and friendly host. You don’t need perfection to provide that. Get the guests to decorate the tree for you!

What do you need to function at your best?

From basic self-care, like diet, exercise and sleep, to consciously doing things that make you happy and allow you to recharge and recover yourself. That could be a long soak in the bath, or belting around a speedway track – whatever works for you. Think it through and act upon it. Everyone will benefit.

Accept that we are all different – just because someone else manages well on four hours sleep doesn’t mean you are any less worthy because you need eight. Go to bed when you need to.

If you are an extrovert, you will probably be thrilled and energised by the variety and number of events and activities you can get involved in at this time of year.

If you are more of an introvert, you may love the events too, but they are likely to drain your energy rather than boost it. You may benefit from looking for and blocking out ‘recovery time’ too, when you can quietly recharge your batteries to avoid feeling frazzled.

Remember you are great just as you are. Go easy on yourself. Give yourself what you need, and have a great Christmas!

Feel free to call me on 07708 034395 or to email me at julia@juliabutler.co.uk. I offer an initial no-obligation, no-cost discovery session to help you work out how to make the most of your time and lead a life you will be happy to look back on.