03/12/2025
🎄✨ CHRISTMAS IS HERE… AND SO IS THE CHAOS ✨🎄
Ah yes, that magical time of year when we all pretend to be serene woodland creatures while secretly trying not to launch a mince pie at Aunty Joan for asking “are you seeing anyone yet?” for the 47th time.
If Christmas makes you feel warm and fuzzy AND a tiny bit unhinged, congratulations — you are extremely normal.
So, to help us all survive the festive expectations, the never-ending to-do lists, and the last-minute panic that “did I accidentally forget someone’s present?”… here are 5 calming techniques you can use ANYWHERE (even in the Tesco car park 😅).
1. BOX BREATHING (4–4–4–4)
Basically: breathe like a very organised rectangle.
- Inhale 4
- Hold 4
- Exhale 4
- Hold 4
Repeat until you no longer want to scream into the void.
2. 5-4-3-2-1 GROUNDING
Perfect for when your brain starts buffering like bad WiFi.
Find:
• 5 things you can see
• 4 you can feel
• 3 you can hear
• 2 you can smell
• 1 you can taste
(Yes, Quality Street counts.)
3. TEMPERATURE CHANGE (TIPP SKILL)
For when stress hits instantly, like realising you forgot the gravy.
- Splash cool water on your face OR
- Hold something cold to your cheeks
Your nervous system goes “ah yes, we’re safe” instead of “danger! sprouts burning!”
4. MUSCLE TENSION & RELEASE
Clench → release → feel slightly less like a furious Christmas ham.
- Pick a muscle group
- Tense for 5–7 seconds
- Let it go completely
5. SAFE PLACE VISUALISATION
When you need a mental holiday but can’t physically flee.
Imagine somewhere calm — beach, forest, spa… whatever works.
Stay there for 1–2 minutes while your brain resets itself.
Christmas is a lot.
People are a lot.
Life is a lot.
Here’s your little reminder:
• You’re doing enough.
• You are enough.
• You’re allowed to pause, breathe, and take care of yourself.
