5 tips to help you stay in control this Christmas

How to help you stay in control -

As we head into the “pointy end” of the year, we all tend to speed up rather than slow down – Why is this?

It is only “one day” (out of 365) and we are supposed to be sharing it with those who love and respect us for who we are – so it really shouldn’t matter …should it?
Here are 5 things to help you stay in control this Christmas -

1. Remember – it is only one day.
2. Be present in the moment .
3. Everything in moderation.
4. Leave your egos at the door.
5. Remember to Have Fun!!!

1. Remember – it’s only one day.

So what if the turkey is overcooked, if lunch is served an hour late, if the kids want to stay outside and play. Does it really matter? We tend to get so caught up in our little worlds at this time of year, that we forget to take a (big) step back and gain some perspective. We live in a wonderful peaceful country. We have amazing and nurturing people in our lives who love us unconditionally. We tend to get sucked into major consumerism at this time of year which in turn sucks all the life and enjoyment from us.

We rush, rush, rush for weeks leading up to Christmas Day - battling shopping centres, buying food, getting everything just right. Then on the day – we have no time to sit down and play with the kids or have a leisurely chat over breakfast because we’ve GOT to get the lunch or dinner ready or play musical houses. We wake up on the 26th and heave a sigh of relief that it’s all over for another year. Boxing Day tends to be more enjoyed than Christmas Day! Why? Because we remember to relax and actually enjoy the moment and the people around us - with no stress. Be kind to yourself – slow down. Ask yourself “Will this matter in 5 years?” Try to remember that it is YOU who stresses YOU out and don’t do it to yourself – YOU deserve better!

2. Be Present

In the past I’ve been so busy with getting things done on “the day” that I’ve forgotten to really sit and be with my children and family. I don’t mean opening presents and watching their excitement as they tear off the paper. I mean really sitting still with a quiet mind and fully engaging in what they are doing, and not letting the dozens of tasks that “need” to be done distract my thoughts. Looking into their eyes and reading the absolute joy and wonderment in their faces can take you to a place you haven’t been for a while...

As kids we have the best memories of Christmas because we don’t think about all the things that “have” to be done. We don’t remember what the table looked like, what food we ate, what time it was served, how much there was. We remember having chocolate for lunch, lots of presents and playing with family.

We can learn a lot from the children in our lives.

3. Everything in Moderation

At Carmaje we have a motto – Indulge & Enjoy! Life is Good!

Be kind to yourself and don’t punish yourself. Food tastes great for a reason! It is meant to be enjoyed. I always indulge over the festive season – that’s what makes it festive! I know I need to keep active, drink plenty of water (to counteract those that aren’t), and eat everything in moderation. You hear it everywhere – moderation is the key – and it is!

Start your days with a walk - a great way to connect with the world around you and get your body moving. It is the best part of the day – especially in the heat!

I know you hear it everywhere – but water is your best friend. Drink lots of water. Replace sugary / fizzy drinks with water at non-meal times then if you must indulge in the sugary drinks then do so only at “special” times – not every time. Soda water with a slice of lemon or a natural cordial / juice is a great thirst-quenching drink to keep you hydrated – especially when you don’t have a juicer with you. It is a great “grown-up” drink when you don’t want plain water. Ensure that your Soda Water doesn’t contain mineral salts and additives – as some Soda Water does and all Mineral Water does – you don’t need it! Just look for plain carbonated water.

Enjoy your glass of bubbles or wine – I certainly do! But do so again in moderation. Maybe hold off the first one offered until you’ve had a glass of water or soda water. Try to have water in between every alcoholic drink to be kind to your body.

Wait 20 mins after you finish eating before you have seconds – it takes this long for your body to register that it is full. Do you really need that second helping of pudding? … after the cheeses, chips, pork, gravy, roast potatoes, more gravy, ham, turkey ….. imagine on a plate all that you have eaten already today.

4. Leave your Egos at the door.

Every family is dysfunctional in some way – that’s just what happens you get lots of different personalities together all trying to leave their mark. Try to disengage yourself from that part of you that wants to have “your say” and “be right”. If you can be aware when the tension creeps in and that part of you that wants to “defend” or “attack” – then you are already aware – aware of what really is not who you are – just that “ego” of ours that gets in the way of us being who we truly are.

5. Have Fun!!

Oh yes – that’s right! “Christmas is the most happiest time of the year “ (as the song goes). So remember to have fun!! What is their not to enjoy? We live in a beautiful and peaceful country, we are surrounded by people who love us unconditionally, we are given presents, we are fortunate enough to eat lots of yummy food and best of all – we are on holidays!! (my favourite)

There is a lot to be grateful for and we should focus on this. Dinner at our house is with everyone sitting around the table and saying one thing that they are grateful for. Kids answers are the best – a wonderful way to give thanks to the world and put life into perspective
Let’s remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about – love – peace and sharing.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas filled with much laughter and love.

Indulge & Enjoy. Life is good!

Cara Phillips
Founder - Carmajé Skincare