Seven Ways To Relax Over The Busy Festive Period

*This is a collaborative post on how to relax over the busy festive period

It feels like Christmas has kind of crept up on us, and suddenly it’s full-blown festivities. At this point, the big day is less than four weeks away, and it’s getting a bit hectic. December is likely to be filled with present wrapping, Christmas catch ups and trying to cram in all the festive activities. But we can’t be on the go all the time, we all need space to relax and take everything in. Don’t feel like you’ve got to see every single person or have plans every night in December. You don’t want to end up wearing yourself out or doing too much. 

While I love this time of the year, it can feel quite intense, and even a bit manic. If you’re feeling like that already, here are some ways to relax over the busy festive period.

Enjoy some classic Christmas movies

It wouldn’t be Christmas time without a re-watch of some classic Christmas movies. There are some great older ones, but the classics I’m talking about are Love Actually, The Holiday and Elf. They are three of my favourite movies to watch at this time of the year, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without a watch.

You can choose to snuggle up at home under a blanket with a hot chocolate, or head to the cinema to see them on the big screen. Cineworld are showing a whole host of great Christmas movies, for just £5 over the next few weeks. So grab some popcorn and enjoy a festive movie night out.

Head to a festive market

If you really want to get into the festive mood, then head out to a Christmas market. There are loads of markets in London, and all around the country to pick from. I’m planning to head to the South Bank market next weekend, and I can’t wait.

Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, pick up some yummy food and explore the sellers and gifts on offer. I always find a good market can help to finish off the Christmas shopping as you’ll probably find things you wouldn’t even think to look for online.

Relax over the busy festive period with some gaming

If you don’t fancy heading out and would rather spend some time indoors, then how about some online gaming. It’s a good way to give your mind a break and have a bit of fun, and there are so many choices online. You can find a fun activity-based game or try your hand on the slots and casinos. 

Playing games online can help keep your mind active, but still give you a bit of a break. There are some great top rated mobile slot apps available—and you never know, you may win some money to help over Christmas. As always, be careful and set yourself a limit before you play online. .

Don’t skip your work out

You may not feel relaxed while you do your workout, but it will help you relax over the day and feel like you’ve done something. Whether it’s heading to the gym for a class, working out at home or going for a walk, whatever works best for you.

I try to get outside whenever I can (and the weather allows). And I find just going on a short 15-minute walk can really relax me if things are feeling stressful. A change of scenery and fresh air can make such a huge difference to your mindset. Especially if your home feels a bit chaotic with presents spread around the house and cats who just can’t leave the tinsel alone (or is that just me?!).

Relax over the busy festive period with a games night

If you want to be social and see people, you don’t always have to go out. Plan a games night for your friends and get out those games that have sat in the cupboards for years.

You can make it super festive by making (or buying) some festive nibbles. Or grab a few bottles of wine and really let loose.

We have stacks of board games, and most of them I’ve never played, so I want to make it our mission to play a few of them over December. 

Let yourself lay in

When things get super busy it can be easy to think that you need to get up super early every weekend and make the most of time. But it’s so important to both your physical and mental health to get enough sleep.

If you don’t have any set plans on your day off, let yourself lay in. Even if you’re not actually asleep, just relaxing in bed and resting is just as important. Grab a book, watch a Christmas movie, or order breakfast for delivery. All three of those things sound like a dream come true to me. 

Relax over the busy festive period with a good book

If you know me, then this is a pretty obvious one, but sit back and relax with a book. If I want to switch off and forget my responsibilities, I’ll grab a book, cuddle up on the sofa and lose half a day.

Over the past year, I’ve picked up quite a few festive books, so I’m going to be filling my December with predictable wintery romance. And I can’t wait.

How do you relax over the busy festive period?