Christmas is that time of the year when we all get into a festive spirit; we spend a huge amount of time and energy into shopping, decorations, cooking and interacting with family and relatives.

While all this sounds so perfect and joyful on the other hand it can be tiring and overwhelming for few of us.

There could well be expectations, or at least perceived expectations, to create a ‘wonderful Christmas’ with presents and perhaps the most important meal of the year.

We would like to provide some tips and advice to make your Christmas as stress-free as possible. Don’t let the festive season get you down: relax and enjoy yourself.

General tips

1. Presents don’t have to cost money – you can also give your time or experience. Offer to help someone with a task they need to do, such as building a garden bed or painting the fence, or offer your services as a babysitter/dog walker/financial adviser/birthday cake maker etc – whatever matches your skill set and the time you have available.
2. Consider online shopping -instead of standing in long queues and visiting crowded markets.
3. Try to be moderate – it may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol is harmful. Drink driving is a real danger and is illegal. If you can’t (or don’t want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.
4. Get enough sleep – plan for as many early nights as you can.

Yoga tips for relaxation

In between your busy days, snip 10-15 minutes for yourself. These are the few yoga postures (asanas), which can help you to relax and regain your energy levels.

1. Child pose

1. To start fold your both legs back side and sit comfortably on your heels.

2. Exhale and bend forward, Relax your head and hands on the ground. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

3. You can relax here 30 sec to one or two minutes.

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2. Wind releasing pose

1. To start lie down on your back.

2. Exhale and fold your both legs close to your chest, hug your knees and breathe.

3. You can roll right and left softly to relax your back muscles.

4. Hold it for 1- 2 minutes.

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3. Happy Baby Pose

1. To start lie down on your back and keep your legs wide.

2. Hold your feet and allow your hips to relax.

3. You can use pillow under your neck if required.

4. Hold it for 1-2 min

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4. Upward Legs hold

1. Relax your legs on the wall and focus on your breath. Relax the rest of your body.

2. Hold it for your 5min

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5. Sleeping butterfly

1. To start with relax on your back, use pillow or bolster under your upper back.

2. Bend your both legs and keep your both feet together.

3. Use cushions under your knees if required.

4. Hold as long as you wish (ideally 2-5min)

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Lastly, please take care with these practices. It is also important to note that not all of these practices will be suitable for everyone. If you experience any discomfort with these exercises, please STOP immediately.

If you would like further information, or to discuss these or other yoga exercises in more detail, or to join Yoga classes please contact us at Therapia Physiotherapy and Pilates on 8221 6436, or email us at info@therapia.com.au.