Coping with Social Anxiety at Christmas

We are fast approaching that time of year again when our anxiety levels can be at their peak. Even those of us who may not think we are usually anxious people can start to experience feelings of overwhelm and dread for the season ahead.

We may be taking on additional responsibilities such as caring for ageing or elderly family members and of course, there are all the usual Christmas day preparations such as shopping, cooking, and getting the house ready for family visits.

All of this can lead to increased stress levels but the good news is there are ways to lighten the emotional load.

Supplements that can help

Nutricalm – I’ve mentioned this one in blogs before. It’s packed full of fabulous B and C vitamins to help soothe nerves and help to maintain a healthy nervous system in times of challenge.

Rescue Remedy –  another great natural stress reliever.  This is available in a variety of forms including as a dropper or in pastille form.  It’s natural, safe, and non-drowsy.

Omega 3 – increasing your intake of omega 3 can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety. So in the weeks leading up to the big day look for Omega 3 rich foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, and even the seasonal favourite brussel sprouts!

Mindset and Coping Mechanisms

Alongside or instead of supplements, there are lots of different things you can try to help reduce anxiety. There isn’t a one size fits all so do try some of them and see what works for you.

Meditation

Meditation can be a great way to calm yourself in your everyday life.  If you start now, by Christmas it could become a way of life, something you do without even realising you are doing it.

It can take as little or as long as you wish and the format can take a form that suits you.  There are lots of videos on YouTube and lots of meditation playlists on Spotify, Amazon Music. I can personally recommend the Insight Timer app and Victoria Yoga who offers some beautiful meditations and is a friend and client of The Hut. If you prefer there are also paid apps that you can use.

Even before you feel yourself becoming anxious, take yourself off to a calming, relaxing place in the house and surround yourself with things that you find calming and relaxing.  This could be candles, incense, a nice relaxing bath with Epsom salts.  Whatever suits you. Tune into how you feel, you can journal if you wish.  Whatever calms you.

Pressure Points and Tapping

Stimulating a pressure point is another great way of reducing tension and stress in your body.  There are images below of the most common ones.

Tapping can be great at any time of the year and is a quick and easy way of bringing control back when you feel that it may be lost.  Here is a quick and easy tutorial that you may find useful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWvoNZezYZ8

Breathing and Getting Out into Nature

Another great way to regulate how you are feeling is to take a walk in the fresh air.  While you are walking pay attention to your breathing.  Breathe in for a count of 7 and out for a count of 7.  Breathing sounds logical but you will be surprised at the number of people who forget or get too busy to truly breathe.

Relax and Enjoy

This one is probably the easiest to say but the hardest to do.  Christmas is not about running yourself ragged trying to be all things to all people. It’s about catching up with family and friends, taking time out from busy lives to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy each others company.  Don’t put pressure on yourself to have everything perfect, homemade, beautifully presented.  Your friends and family would much rather have your company than all the bells and whistles we think they want.

You can even spend all day in your Christmas pj’s if you want.  No one is going to judge!