5 ways to unwind this silly season

Rub out your worries

If you’ve ever rubbed your head to ease a headache, you have practised the ancient healing art of acupressure without realising it. If the festivities are leaving you feeling a little tense, try this.

Hands: To release stress and strain, start by rubbing your hands together in a circular motion, like a movie villain hatching an evil plan (but in a good way). Then lace your fingers together and knead the backs of your hands with your fingertips. Lastly, use your thumbs to knead your palms.

Head: Start by moving your hands from your chin to your cheeks, using a circular motion as though you’re washing your face without soap. Guide your fingers to your temples and rub gently. Move to the back of your head and start to massage, working your fingers upwards to the top of your head. Feet: It’s easy to massage your own feet if you can’t corral a willing partner. Find a comfortable chair and rest one foot on your knee. Rub the entire sole of your foot, from heel to toe, in a circular motion. Repeat on the other foot.

Get out of the house

For 11 months of the year, home is our sanctuary. In December, it can be the hub of all the hustle and bustle. Take some time to head out into nature and let the stress fall away. Whether it is a long bushwalk, a day at the beach or even just a drive out of town, the fresh air will help clear the mind and reset. Keep in mind that popular beaches and tourist destinations will be packed this time of year, so be creative and think outside the box.

Stay in!

If your Chrissy calendar is packed full of parties and lunches and you feel like you’ve barely sat down, then say “no” to that cousins-friends-partner’s BBQ and stay in. Staying in and doing nothing is often the easiest and most effective way to relax and unwind after a busy period. With a glass of wine, your favourite show and a cheese platter for one, there is no better present. Make it even simpler with the Foxtel Now Box and stream all the shows you love to your TV. All you need is an internet connection and then you have hours of binge-watching at your fingertips.

Treat yourself

Is there something you’ve wanted for a while and just haven’t had time or wanted to indulge? Christmas is the season of giving, so why not give yourself a gift? Buy those shoes, go to the hairdressers or take that class you’ve been itching to try. There is something strange and wonderful about retail therapy and who can go past boxing day sales! If you’re all shopped out buying gifts for everyone else why not just do it all online? That way you can enjoy some solidarity while treating yourself!

Clean up

While cleaning up might not be everyone’s idea of unwinding, untidy or disorganised homes can contribute to post-Christmas stress. Take some time to go through your home room-by-room. This makes it seem achievable and less daunting from the outset. Throw away anything you don’t use, clean out those nooks that have been neglected and rearrange your furniture. Once you’ve finished you will feel like a new person! Ready for a happy and successful New Year.