How to make Christmas completely stress-free

One of the UK’s top yoga teachers, Kirsty Gallagher, shares her top tips for making it through the festive season in a bubble of serenity…

Start your day in the right way

For many us, the day begins with an alarm followed by rushing around the house before leaving to begin the stressful commute to work. This can feel even more difficult over the festive season – thanks to all of the extra pressures that brings. To stay calm, try pausing mindfully upon waking by doing five minutes of meditation. Simply sit quietly as soon as you get up and focus on your breath, deep breath in and deep breath out, allowing yourself to become calm and present. Feel the calm, the peace and the presence. I promise that this one pause will make the biggest shift to your day and all that follows.

Commute your way to bliss

On average most of us commute for up to 45 minutes. This is usually spent fighting traffic or the tubes, possibly checking emails or anticipating and worrying about all the work that is waiting for you at the other end. Rather than allow your commute to be ‘wasted’, use it to be inspired.  Load up your iPod or iPhone with podcasts or audiobooks from some of the world’s most inspirational people and allow their words to infuse and shape your day.

Mid-morning stretch through stress

Push back away from your computer and desk for just a few minutes and move out of your head and into your body. Stress is proven to restrict blood flow and cause knots and tension in the body, particularly round the neck and shoulders. Do a few simple neck stretches by taking each ear over to the same shoulder and then the chin in towards the chest, holding for a few long, slow, deep breaths and feel the tension melt away.

Breathe through the afternoon blues

Instead of reaching for a sugary Toffee Nut Latte for your mid-afternoon slump, try taking some mindful breaths instead. Pranayama can help to quieten and calm your entire nervous system, reducing stress and also regulating the oxygen flow in your blood. It can lift your energy levels and make you more alert and focused. Take five to ten full deep breaths through your nose breathing right from the bottom of your abdomen. You can also add a count to your breath, breathing in and out for a count of five.

Stress-free sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to relieving stress, but it’s often stress itself that is the cause of disturbed sleep. Over the festive period late nights and parties can get the better of you, but establishing a regular night-time routine really is key to allowing your body and mind the chance to wind down. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake at the same time each morning. Avoid all screen technology for at least an hour before you go to bed, more if possible, and do not have mobile phones, iPads, computers or a television in the bedroom. Play relaxing music, read a book or find an activity that relaxes you.

For more tips on yoga and wellbeing, visit kirstygallagher.com