The Christmas holiday season is a stressful time for many of us. It's no coincidence that calls to The Samaritans, Relate and divorce lawyers shoot up in January. So anything we can do that's a stress reliever at this time of year is worth making time for.
One advantage of these few days between Christmas and New Year is that we have more time to spend together. Schools and nurseries are closed, and hopefully parents are enjoying a holiday from work. So even if you don't normally find the time, make the effort to go on a walk today with your family.
Physical exercise is one of the greatest ways to relieve mental stress, because it takes your focus away from your mind and into your body. It calms all those worrying thoughts buzzing around in your head.I know the weather isn't great right now (unless you're in Australia – and if that's the case, why aren't you down the beach?). Wrap up warm and you'll be fine. Even a bit of drizzly rain is nothing to be scared of. You aren't made of sugar, you won't melt.
Go somewhere that none of you have been before, so you can discover it together – even if it's only a few streets away. Get your children to plan the route so you can see things from their perspective. Yes I know that toddlers are the most annoying people on the planet to go for a walk with, but just for today, indulge their three steps forward, two steps back, one step sideways – look there's a leaf – behaviour. Walking your family stresses away will help you leave them behind when you come back home.