This month’s health and lifestyle column from Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice in Skipton

NOW is the time to be considering Christmas self care. Mine has already begun, the Christmas bedding is on, it brings me joy and makes me smile, what better nod to self care?

This isn’t necessarily about ensuring Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped before the close of November but planning and preparation for the main event can reduce stress.

Self care is not solely about focusing on to-do lists for Christmas but taking care of yourself in the process. Demands on time both at work and home can increase and feel overwhelming. People tend to hang on by their festive red finger nails counting down to time off but Christmas doesn’t tend to be a restful break.

Constructing a self care advent calendar of 24 suggestions, one for each day can support this. It can be as simple as, “watch a Christmas film” or “diary planning.” Blocking time out for a bit of self nurturing and some down time may seem self indulgent but can provide an opportunity to recharge. A detox day might help reconcile the over indulgence that is in the Christmas post. Practising and focusing on gratitude and thankfulness can support grounding and prevent getting your tinsel in a tangle.

Focus on what is in your control in the run up to Christmas. If cooking pre-prepared food, using gift bags instead of wrapping or giving vouchers makes life easier, do it, it’s not cutting corners, it’s less labour intensive and sensible. It’s an expensive time of year, it’s okay to have discussions about agreeing not to exchange gifts, people will understand and may be relieved. An alternative to gift buying is spending time together, this could be an inexpensive breakfast, clubbing together for a meal at someone’s home or doing some Christmas crafting with friends or family.

We can get into making excuses and justifying our choices, assertion skills are needed to avoid feeling resentful, worn down or out of pocket. It’s about giving freely whether it is actual gifts, visits or time.