This is a big cliché - but Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. There's a pocket of happiness and positivity that you don't gene…
This is a big cliché - but Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. There's a pocket of happiness and positivity that you don't generally feel at any other time of the year. When it comes to my personal relationship with Christmas, it's a bit up and down like a rollercoaster (sorry for the second, overused cliché). Some years, I have felt as festive as Santa himself and enjoy every single moment of December, embracing the joy it brings. Other years, I've been like Scrooge and want Christmas to bypass me without being haunted by ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. This year, I am thankfully enjoying every minute of December and embracing the excitement of the festive season.
For those who are struggling to get into the festive spirit and want to, there are ways to help you get even just a little more enthusiastic for the upcoming festivities. I know that Christmas can be a sad time of year for some, especially those who have lost loved ones during the year. It'll be their first Christmas without that person. I'm going through that this year, and I know it will be hard. There are other extenuating circumstances for others, from loneliness to financial difficulties, so it's important to remember those who struggle for those reasons.
If you're not feeling it in terms of Christmas this year, hopefully these tips will help you get into the Christmas spirit.
Here are ways to romanticise the festive season:
1) Enjoy slow mornings
I mean, enjoying slow mornings when you're not working. It's not easy to enjoy a slow morning whilst running around trying to get ready to go to work. But on those days off, embrace the slowness with a hot chocolate, coffee or tea while watching a Christmas film or listening to Christmas music.
2) Embrace the littlest joys of Christmas
Christmas brings so many little moments that we adore. They only come around once a year, so appreciate and savour those moments. Whether it be baking, decorating the tree or wrapping presents to Christmas music, treasure those littlest of joys.
3) Spend quality time with loved ones
I adore spending quality time with family and friends all year round, but it does feel extra special at Christmas. Spending time with the right people can be an instant mood booster, especially at Christmas.
4) Pinterest scroll for Christmas photos
This is a method that's worked for me in previous years when I haven't felt festive-y. Just scrolling through Christmas pins on Pinterest does make me feel festive when I'm not feeling it.
5) Make your space cosy
Candles, cushions, fairy lights, Christmas scents and cute Christmas decks can not only make your space cosy, but it's a great chance to give it that Christmassy feel.
6) Reflect and practice gratitude
It's important not to be so hard on yourself at this time of year. Take this opportunity to reflect and practice gratitude if you're not feeling festive.
7) Buy all the festive treats
Supermarkets always nail their Christmas treats and goodies - buy all the Christmas food and drink you want and be merry.
8) Drive around looking at the Christmas lights
This is one tradition I like to do each year. I take my Mam around the different areas of where we live and pretty much rate and critique people's Christmas lights. We do get brutal when it comes to our ratings.
9) Watch your favourite Christmas films
From Elf to Muppet Christmas Carol to Miracle on 34th Street, there's a Christmas film which you will love. Find out where it's streaming and curl up with a hot chocolate and relax.
10) Visit Christmas markets
Most towns and cities have a Christmas market in any shape or form. Plus, it's a fantastic way to support small businesses and discover some hidden talent.
I hope these ideas help you to romanticise the festive season if you're not feeling it!
I know it may be hard for some not to feel festive, but I hope that even one of these ideas you find some small joy in doing.
Let me know which of these ideas you practice to get into the festive spirit!
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Exercise has been an integral part of my daily routine ever since I can remember. I like to do a mixture of everything, which includes weight training, resistance training and cardio. Cardio is my primary focus in my workout routine, as it greatly benefits my lungs. As someone with a genetic lung condition (Cystic Fibrosis), the inclusion of cardio in my workouts is something that my lungs (and physiotherapists) are pleased with. I usually like to start my workouts in the mornings, which means taking morning walks to begin the day.
I've always preferred exercising first thing in the morning as it really sets me up for the day and gets me into the right mindset for the day ahead. If I wake up worried about something or wondering how I'm going to complete my ever-growing to-do list, a morning walk really helps me focus, decide what the important tasks are on my list, and just generally helps me not stress over everything.
I do believe in the power of taking morning walks, and they do bring their benefits.
Here are some benefits I've noticed from taking morning walks:
1) I get my daily dose of sunshine
Ok, I know the British weather cannot guarantee sunshine every day. It never does. However, when I do manage to get outside in the sunshine, not only do I get some vital Vitamin D, but it gives me more energy to carry through the rest of the day. Walking in the sunshine can also help achieve better sleep.
2) Moving my body
Starting my day with a morning walk gets my body moving and boosts my mood instantly. It's really a simple way to kickstart my day and keep me motivated to tackle the day head-on.
3) It's a chance to clear my mind
As I said, sometimes I wake up feeling overwhelmed with my daily to-do list I've written the night before. I find taking morning walks can clear my mind and bring focus to my day. It's a great way for me to mentally prepare for whatever lies ahead.
4) Reduces stress
Any method to help reduce stress - I'll try. Morning walks allow me to wash some of my stresses away and make me feel genuinely happier. It's a peaceful way for me to start my day.
5) It allows me to connect with nature
Spending time outdoors, even if it's just for a short period, lifts my spirits and allows me to feel more grounded. I'm an avid believer that nature can help with mental health - I know it has done for me!
Not everyone has the time to take morning walks due to work and parenting, etc. But if you do have the time, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes, it's worth it!
Let me know your thoughts on morning walks!
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