HOW NOT TO BURN OUT WHILST YOU’REBUSY MAKING THE MAGIC!

By Boom Buddy Stacey The Collis/Murray Family, Director of Create & Connect Wellbeing CIC

For families with young children this time of year gets hectic. From outfits to Festive light trails, Santa visits, to school events and, for many, that cheeky elf; if you ’ re the one who creates the family magic, the last couple months of the year are non-stop. It can be lots of fun, but it can also be stressful, so it’ s important to think about what you need too. Here ’ s my top tips to make sure you don ’t burn out:

1. Still make some time each week for activities that help you relax. Maybe that’ s your weekly exercise class or a solo coffee, or maybe it’ s watching your favourite TV show at the end of a long day. It’ s easy for these to get forgotten when everything gets busier, but it’ s more important than ever to have some time to switch off and focus on yourself. You can ’t bring your best magical self if you ’ re completely exhausted.

2. Find something seasonal that YOU love and really enjoy it. Maybe it’ s a festive drink or your favourite Christmas movie, or maybe it’ s a Winter walk or getting cozy by a fire. It’ s not just about the kids. This time of year can be magical for you too.

3. Try to let go of the comparison and pressure. We don ’t all have the same time and budget, and we don ’t all enjoy the same things either. You don ’t have to do it all, and the simple things can be the most magical. One of our favourite traditions is a walk around our local area counting how many Christmas lights we spot - simple, easy and doesn’t cost a penny.

4. Don ’t forget to slow down and enjoy all the plans you do make. Take in their faces as they stare at all the lights, chat with them over their festive hot chocolate, and enjoy playing with their new toys with them.

5. Leave some free time in your calendar! Don ’t plan so much that you don ’t have a morning to just be at home or the option of a last-minute, spontaneous day out. Work out what your priorities are and then make a rough plan around those. Remember, it’ s ok to say no!

So absolutely make all the memories and capture all the cute photo opportunities, but look after YOU too, forget about what you think you should do, and priorities what is important to you and your family.

Follow more of Stacey's family adventures over on Instagram! @mystepballchange