Got a zillion things on your Christmas to-do list? Wondering how you’re going to get everything done in time for the big day without losing the Christmas plot?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

self care

As the Andy Williams song goes Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful. Especially if you’re a mum with a to-do list longer than your arm.

At the time of writing I haven’t started Christmas shopping yet, I’ve got no idea how we’re going to fit eight people around our small (round) dining room table and if I have to explain to the kids why they can only open one door of their advent calendar each day one more time I’m going to scream.

The things is it can be so easy to get caught up in the nitty gritty and forget the wider picture, the real meaning of Christmas, and your own wellbeing in the process.

So, as part of Simplyhealth’s #MyEveryStep campaign, which is all about the little things we can do to look after ourselves and lead healthy and happier lives, here are 10 simple self care tips for a stress-free Christmas.

10 simple self care tips for a stress-free Christmas

1. Try and appreciate the little things. Even the bad little things, like the daily tantrum because they can’t understand why they can only open one door of the advent calendar Every. Single. Day. Next year they won’t have a meltdown and you’ll probably miss it.

2. Don’t make work for yourself. Yes you want to be the hostess with the mostess but don’t make life difficult for yourself. Think pre-cut sticky tape and ready-made pastry (even Mary Berry uses it).

self care

3. Don’t leave all the wrapping until the night before. Take it from someone who’s been there, done it and got the T-shirt.

4. Plan a girls’ night out. Or in if going out out is a bit too much of a faff. There’s a lot to be said for putting the world to rights with good friends and a glass or two of something nice.

self care

5. Don’t get stressed about things that are out of your control. Like other people. Even if you could cheerfully throttle them.

6. Buy yourself a Christmas present. Something you’ve been after for a while, that you wouldn’t normally buy yourself and that your nearest and dearest might not think to buy you either. Afterall, you deserve it!

self care

7. Don’t get your knickers in a twist over the little things. Like whether to get a Christmas pudding with an orange in the middle or go for the one without. It’s just not worth it.

8. Treat yourself to a haircut. Which to be honest is my answer to everything, because there’s nothing quite like sitting in a gown with a pile of magazines bending someone’s ear for an hour is there?

self care

9. Delegate. In fact, outsource as much as you possibly can.

10. Remember you can do anything, but not everything. I know because I’ve tried.

Are you starting to feel overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas? Do you have any top tips for not losing the Christmas plot? I’d love to know what they are!

This post was written in collaboration with Simplyhealth. I’m proud to be supporting their #MyEveryStep campaign, shining a light on the little steps we can all take to leading a healthy life every day. As always all opinions are my own and based on my own honest experience. To find out more about Simplyhealth’s #MyEveryStep campaign follow @SimplyhealthUK on Twitter and Instagram.

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:

10 simple ways to look after yourself as a mum

10 things to do with 10 minutes me time

10 fun ways to exercise as a family

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