Pamela Crane: Coping with Christmas

Queuing in a busy shop in Beverley the other day, I overheard someone say they would, “Be pleased when Christmas is over.” It’s such a shame, don’t you think, that the run up to Christmas has become something which many people endure rather than enjoy.

I can appreciate, however, the pressure to prepare and to try to fit everything in as well as doing all the things we normally do. The extra pressure can make it seem more like a chore than a special time. So, here are some things you may want to try to help you to cope during this busy time.

Learn to say ‘No.’ Are you someone who takes responsibility for doing everything for everyone? Someone who always puts the needs and wishes of others before your own? Unless the other person is completely unable to do something for themselves, get into the mind set of believing that it’s okay to say ‘No.’

Try not to fall into the trap of doing things yourself just because it’s quicker or easier than leaving it to someone else. You were not born knowing how to use the washing machine, find the perfect gift, knowing how to put petrol in the car, etc. Just as you learned to do things, so can others too.

Do your share, but recognise and encourage others to recognise that you also need a break, so that come Christmas day you’re in the right frame of mind and not too tired to enjoy it.

Cloak of Protection. I see many people in my Beverley hypnotherapy centre who feel over burdened by external pressures or who feel vulnerable in particular situations. This conscious technique is a useful one for the times when you want to feel a sense of protection. You can use it when you need the strength to say ‘No’ too.

Before going into a particular situation or at the start of the day, go somewhere where you won’t be disturbed, close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.

Use the power of your imagination to visualise yourself putting on a protective cloak. It can be made of any material and can be any colour you choose, any length and with or without a hood. It’s your cloak, so you choose how you want it to be. Make it a really bright, vivid image in your mind.

Now, imagine you can feel the cloak wrapped around you. Feel the texture and the comfort of the material. Feel and believe in the protection and comfort it gives you.

Take a few more deep breaths, keep your cloak wrapped securely around you and then go and face the world.
Enjoy and take pleasure in preparing for a wonderful Christmas.

Pamela Crane is a professional, clinical hypnotherapist, Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner and motivational coach. For more information go to, www.hypnotherapist.org.uk or telephone, 07901 888890