Life hacks Stmds ana the summer sedsow are all about spendiug time with loved ones. Enjoy eachoment good or bad) ad dottorgetto special memories with for a Jolly good Christmas!ノ\cap oostelookbackontor years to come BY NEIL MICKLEWOOD he festive season is a wonderful time, yet it can also be quite taxing. You want to make the most of this special time, yet there are a lot of things which can get in the way of that, like expenses, stress, and crowds. It's quite difficult not to get swept up in the madness! Here are some tips for keeping your Christmas spirit buzzing. IDENTIFY YOUR FESTIVE VALUES If you were to look back at Christmas after it happened, how would you like it to have been? Would you want it to be about relaxation or activity connecting with people, or connecting with yourself? Take some time to think about what the essence of Christmas is SHAPE YOUR FESTIVE PLANS TO ALIGN WITH THOSE VALUES APPROACH YOUR PLANS FLEXIBLY AVOID A TUG OF WAR WITH YOUR BRAIN What are the things you would want to do, or avoid, that would align with those values? For example, if Christmas is about quality time with loved what would be the best way to achieve Bigger, better and more" are easy traps to fall into, but remember that enjoyment If you are tired or under pressure and it affects your mood, don't guilt yourself ones, and meaning are emotional experiences, or try to force yourself to feel better not a score card. There are many ways to ue around achieve meaning and enjoyment which GETTING INTO A BATTLE WITH YOUR the pool, attending a Christmas church ceremony together, or would you prefer e realistic given time, financial or are realistic given time, financial or BRAIN WILL PUT YOU UNDER MORE PRESSURE to spend your time visiting with friends For example, backyard games with yourIf something that is getting you kids can be as treasured a memory as a holiday in Bali. Also, recognise that things cant dire famil down Remember that money iswt be directly fixed, is it possible to allow it to be what it is? Can you redirect your attention and energy to ot always go according to plan and at you may have to do some things you don't enjoy. Allow for this and also allow for contingency time to be flexible. th things which add value to your life and which you can control, rather than trying to make things work which aren't? REWARD YOURSELF FOR COMPROMISE I wish you and your loved ones a valued and meaningful Christmas If you have to do things you're not keen on, make sure you reward yourself by doing things you do like. Also, don't forget to have a little bit of "me time" every day (even if it is five minutes enjoying a cup of tea), with longer periods of down-time once a week. Build your other Neil Micklewood is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over ten years' experience providing holistic wellbeing from a psychological perspective. around your " where possible, because plans can only work if you look after yourself first. 15 DECEMBER 2018 HEALTH 200O