It's the most beautiful time of the year… Or they keep telling us.
Xmas doesn't always look like it does in the movies, though. For many, it’s even a far cry from the average Christmas commercial.
But contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, that’s OK.
There’s so much pressure for Christmas to be perfect and magical when it can be challenging for many people. And if you’re feeling like that, you’re not the only one.
More than a quarter of people find Christmas more challenging than any other time of year.
These tried-and-tested Systema Christmas coping mechanisms will help bring a little cheer to what can be, for many, a tough time of year. So, let’s get into this…
The ‘me’ In Merry
Without knowing it, we can lay some lofty expectations on ourselves this time of year. Like spending every waking minute with people, we don’t choose to see so often, which can be difficult when our lifestyles and world views don’t align with others, especially family. It’s OK to spend some time alone, though. Go for a walk, practice your Systema Breathing drills, or take a good book upstairs for an hour. It’s your break, too, so make room for some ‘me time’ - whatever that looks like.
The Season for Self-Care
With work out the window and your social calendar filling up, it’s easy for day-to-day life to feel out of sorts. Social time is crucial to a solid self-care routine, but everything’s better in moderation. So, keep an eye on the other five self-care categories to ensure life feels balanced.
Physical – Do your Systema Core four exercises and practice breathing in the morning before the day’s festivities begin. Even if it’s not your usual amount of time, anything is better than nothing.
Financial - sure, Christmas can be pricey. But set out your seasonal budget, and you’ll never feel completely out of control with your festive spending.
Spiritual - take five minutes each day for prayer, quiet, reflection or check-in on your emotions.
Professional - the sudden end of work can feel problematic for some. And that free time can lead to more space in your mind to stress about the job, particularly what you might end up returning to. Try not to worry. Just take 10 minutes to set a plan for your first week back at work, and you’ll feel much more in control.
Emotional - it’s easy to fall into the trap of imagining the things you don’t have or are missing out on this time of year, especially with those relentless seasonal supermarket ads. That’s why there’s no better time than Christmas to practise gratitude.
Christmas can feel anxiety-inducing for a time that’s supposed to be full of festive cheer, so practice all that you have learned at FC during the holidays and Systema your Christmas!
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