The period between Christmas and New Year is meant for relaxation, but for many Brits, it becomes a significant source of tension. Wellness and mindset coach Richie Norton, an ambassador for Volvo Cars UK, has stepped forward with exclusive advice to help the nation stay calm.
The Scale of Festive Stress
Recent research commissioned by Volvo highlights the pressure many feel. The survey found that one in five people (21%) consider the drive to and from Christmas gatherings their least favourite journey of the year. Key stressors include heavy traffic (37%), the rush to leave on time (30%), and children complaining in the back seat (26%).
"Christmas, New Year and the surrounding holidays should be a time to pause and connect - but for many of us, it’s becoming a whirlwind," Norton observes. He emphasises that self-care is not selfish but essential. "Making time for yourself and looking after your wellbeing is so important to ensure you have the energy to share with others," he advises.
Practical Strategies for Calm
The Power of Conscious Breathing
Norton's primary quick trick for stress reduction involves a simple breathing exercise. Before tackling your festive to-do list, pause. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Practising this conscious breathing for just one minute can lower stress levels and reset your mindset, potentially encouraging better sleep later.
Protect Your "Micro Moments"
With diaries overflowing, it's vital to guard small pockets of peace. This could mean leaving your phone in another room, declining one social invitation, or dedicating an evening solely to recharging. These intentional pauses prevent burnout.
Incorporate Gentle Movement
Don't let exercise fall by the wayside. A short walk after a meal, ten minutes of stretching, or taking a longer route back to the car can release tension and lift your mood significantly.
Transforming Travel into Downtime
Driving, often a stressor, can be reframed as valuable solo time. The Volvo survey found that over half (54%) of respondents see time behind the wheel as a rare quiet moment during the festivities. To enhance this, try listening to an audiobook, a calming playlist, or simply enjoy the silence. If possible, take a short, aimless drive to clear your head. Norton notes that a quieter car, such as an electric vehicle, can make this experience even more restorative.
Setting the Tone for the New Year
Norton's advice extends to New Year's Eve itself. He strongly recommends letting go of the pursuit of a "perfect" night, which often breeds anxiety. Instead, embrace simplicity and spontaneity to foster genuine connection. Taking just ten minutes for yourself on New Year's Day—for a walk, a coffee outside, or a bath—can set a positive, calm tone for the day and the year ahead.
"By choosing contentment and presence over an exhausting pursuit of perfection, you are starting the new year with a healthy mindset," Norton concludes. This approach prioritises wellbeing and sets the stage for more realistic and self-compassionate resolutions.
