The holiday season, at least in the west, can be one of the most exciting and magical times of the year, conjuring up picture perfect images of snow covered pine trees surrounding grand New England homes, roaring log fires, enticing smells wafting from the kitchen, well behaved children dressed in red sweaters, and of course the perfect extended family, arriving on Christmas eve with armfuls of perfectly wrapped presents. Right!
However, for most yummy mummies the holiday season ends up being one of the most stressful times of the year, adding more and more to-do’s to the never-ending to-do list, resulting in even more exhaustion overwhelm, anxiety, grumpiness, and restless sleep. Yo
Your Holiday Stress Survival Guide
We know that every yummy mummy wants to create that special experience for her family, especially new yummy mummies but how does she find time to get everything done and have enough energy (and patience) for family, friends and herself. How does she balance the teeter totter called “her life”?
The answer is simple: Keep it Simple!
If you do less, buy less, spend less, bake less, eat less, wrap less you’ll have more time and energy to enjoy this special time of year without feeling like you’re going insane!
So here are 5 simple steps that will help even the busiest of yummy mummy’s stay calm, centred and balanced. 
Step 1. DON’T OVER SPEND.
Buying “stuff” is always seductive, but more so at Christmas time, plus the bills hang around for months after the holidays causing more on-going stress (and we’re still in a recession). So sit down with your husband, partner or yourself, and find creative and fun ways to cut back. After all how many new things does everyone really need!
Best Gifts for Kids: Give Experiences Like This Step 2. DON’T OVER EAT
With all the extra social activities, it’s easy to start loading up on carbs and sugar. We justify by telling ourselves“ it’s only once a year”, but remember what takes a minute to consume can take months to get rid of. So indulge in moderation. And that goes for the kids too. Too much sugar is just going to make everyone a little “crazier”. Step 3. DECLUTTER AND DONATE
Schedule in quick bit of de-cluttering. Go through the kids toys and clothes and see what you can donate to your favourite charity. And get the kids involved too so they understand that giving to other’s who are less fortunate is an important life lesson and a big part of the holiday season (as well as the rest of the year). Step 4. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Though this may seem impossible with all the extra shopping, parties, and social events, make sure you schedule some down time. Once the kids are in bed, light a pretty candle and sit quietly for 5 – 10 minutes, or lie on the floor with your legs up the wall for a super relaxation technique. Or organize a babysitter and meet other yummy mummies for a glass of Christmas cheer, book a much needed massage or aromatherapy treatment, or take a quiet walk in the park, and journal all the things you are grateful for this year. If guilt creeps in, kick it straight out the window –you need and deserve a break! Step 5. DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE AND STRETCH
Keep stress under wraps by remembering to slip in a yoga pose every time you’re in the kitchen. (see my Kitchen Yoga book) While the pasta is cooking or the kids are watching TV, stop and get grounded! Stand still and feel your feet on the floor, lift up your chest, roll your shoulders back and down, close your eyes and take 3 -6 long, slow deep breaths inhaling from the from the belly up through the mid chest and into the upper chest, then slowly exhale down from the upper chest, through the mid chest and out through the belly (the full yogic breath). In no time at all you’ll feel calm, and centred and ready to face the rest of your to-do’s with a happier, more grounded and balanced disposition - yay!
Remember a balanced mummy is happy yummy mummy!
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