As we approach Christmas and New Year, have you ever found that there can be a great expectation to have a good time? I think it's important to realise that sometimes the pressure to enjoy ourselves can sometimes have the opposite effect, leaving us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We can also anticipate having a perfect day, and wanting to control every aspect of that to make it go ahead as planned. If it doesn't turn out how we expected, we can be left disappointed and frustrated.

Something I find really useful in managing the festive season is to focus on acceptance. Take note that it's okay not to feel happy and joyous all the time. Accepting in a non-judgemental way, the range of emotions that arise, naturally allows you to remain balanced and in control over the events that unfold in what can be a busy and stressful period for many of us.

Something I repeat to my clients (and in this blog!) is that the subconscious mind doesn't differentiate between real and imagined thoughts and feelings. I use hypnosis to reduce the habit of projecting our thoughts into an idealised future and support this therapy with mindfulness techniques to retain the practice of non-judgemental acceptance during daily life. This isn't to say that stress will be experienced during the Christmas season, but your reaction to those feelings will prevent any unhelpful thoughts and feelings from escalating. On the other hand, my techniques also help to appreciate when the positive feelings and events are presented to you. But whatever happens, and however you feel, remember that it's okay, the thoughts and feelings will pass.

I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with acceptance, knowing that you're doing the best you can possibly do.