Stay Calm and Centred During the Festive Season: A Guide to Becoming Your Own Best Friend
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes a whirlwind of excitement, expectations, and, for many, stress. Amidst the rush of gift buying, cooking, and social events, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. But here's the thing: this season doesn't have to mean losing your calm or your sense of self. In fact, it’s the perfect time to put into practice the most important relationship of all - the one with yourself.
As a life coach, I’ve seen firsthand how mid-life women, especially mothers, can feel overwhelmed during the Christmas period. Between family obligations and personal goals, it can feel like there's little room to breathe. But what if you could show up for yourself, as your own best friend, instead of letting the chaos overwhelm you?
The key to staying calm and centred isn’t about fighting the demands of the festivities or trying to do everything perfectly. It’s about cultivating the inner peace that comes from self-compassion and mindfulness. Trust me, once you start treating yourself as your best friend, everything else becomes easier.
The Importance of Being Your Own Best Friend
Being your own best friend means you prioritise your own well-being, treat yourself with kindness, and give yourself the grace to feel human. At Christmas time, you’re likely juggling more than usual, so it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But imagine if, instead of responding to every invitation and demand out of obligation, you asked yourself, "What would my best friend tell me to do?"
Your best friend would encourage you to make space for rest, to not overextend yourself, and to enjoy the season without self-imposed pressure. This is what becoming your own best friend looks like in action. It’s about showing up for yourself with the same love, patience, and understanding that you’d show a dear friend. And when you do that, you’ll find that you are better equipped to handle the festive season’s challenges.
Reconnect with yourself through a simple 5-minute self-compassion exercise to reduce holiday stress.
Practical Exercise: A 5-Minute Check-In to Stay Calm and Centred
To help you stay grounded during the chaos of the holidays, I want to share a simple but powerful exercise: a 5-minute self-compassion check-in. This is a tool you can use anytime you start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or pulled in too many directions. It will help you reconnect with yourself and remain centred in the midst of it all.
Here’s how it works:
Find a quiet space – It doesn’t matter if it’s just for a few minutes in a bathroom or at your desk; the goal is to give yourself a moment of calm.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply – Take three slow, deep breaths. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Let your breath ground you in the present moment.
Place a hand over your heart – Feel your heartbeat beneath your hand, a reminder that you are here, alive, and worthy of love and care.
Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” – This simple question opens the door to self-awareness. It helps you identify your needs, whether it’s a moment of quiet, a cup of tea, or perhaps saying no to something.
Offer yourself kindness – Speak to yourself like you would to your best friend. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, say something like, “It’s okay to take a break. You don’t need to do it all. You are enough, just as you are.”
Set a small intention – Choose one small action that will bring you peace today. It might be as simple as turning off notifications for 30 minutes or taking a walk outside.
Repeat this practice as needed. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, stop and reset. This will help you stay calm, centred, and aligned with your true needs, especially during the busy season.
Why This Works
The beauty of this exercise is that it helps you reconnect with your inner voice - the one that speaks to you with kindness and clarity, not the harsh critic that often runs the show. By practicing self-compassion, you begin to treat yourself with the same care and understanding that you would give your best friend. And in doing so, you create space for more joy, less stress, and a deeper connection to your own well-being.
In the midst of the Christmas busyness, remember: becoming your own best friend isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a powerful practice that will help you navigate the season with grace and peace.
Stay grounded during the holiday chaos by embracing moments of peace and serenity.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're ready to start prioritising yourself and embracing a life where you’re your own best friend, I’ve got something just for you. I invite you to download my free Guide to Using the Model to Become Your Own Best Friend. This guide is packed with practical tools and strategies to help you build a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
This holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mindset and a commitment to self-compassion, you can stay calm and centred through it all. Let’s make this the season where you put yourself first.
Download your free guide now and start your journey to becoming your own best friend!
