Here are five expert tips for a calmer Christmas as new research shows Brits are likely to reach their peak stress levels when preparing Christmas dinner.
Christmas stress hits its peak at precisely 12:27pm on Christmas Day, new research reveals. A survey of 2,000 adults discovered that for 27% of people, stress levels reach their peak as they grapple with the exact timings of Christmas lunch. A whopping 67% also feel swamped by the pressure to make the festivities perfect for everyone else.
Consequently, over half of Brits are yearning for some rest and relaxation on Christmas Day. However, 21% claim they get no more than 30 minutes of peace and quiet throughout the entire day, and it’s not until 5:41pm that most adults finally get the chance to put their feet up.
What’s more, over a third confess they feel guilty about taking any time for themselves in the run-up to the big day.
This comes as wellness expert, Richie Norton, shares a variety of top tips to help Brits find tranquillity amidst the holiday chaos this year. The wellness ambassador at Volvo Car UK, which commissioned the research, said: “Christmas should be a time to pause and connect – but for many of us, it’s becoming a whirlwind.”
He added: “Making time for yourself and looking after your wellbeing are so important to ensure you have the energy to share with others. Ultimately, being with loved ones over the festive period is what it’s all about.”
In the lead-up to Christmas, stress factors include gift shopping (39%), hosting friends and family (28%), and spending money (26%). Social commitments (18%) and travelling to see loved ones (16%) also contribute to the mounting pressure.
According to a OnePoll survey, over half of respondents (54%) find that driving offers a rare moment of tranquillity during the festive season. They achieve this by listening to music or podcasts they enjoy (35%), watching the scenery pass by (22%), or simply relishing a sense of control or focus (15%).
Four out of ten (41%) reported that driving an electric vehicle provides a quieter, more serene experience compared to petrol or diesel models. However, not all holiday journeys are relaxing.
One in five (21%) said travelling home for Christmas is their least favourite drive of the year, citing heavy traffic (37%), the rush to leave the house on time (30%), and children complaining in the back seat (26%) as major stressors.
RICHIE NORTON’S FIVE TIPS FOR A CALMER CHRISTMAS:
Breathe before you begin:
Before diving into your festive to-do list, take a moment and focus on nothing but your breathing. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Even just one minute of conscious breathing lowers stress and resets your mindset.
Turn the drive into downtime
Driving is one of the few moments we can be truly alone. There are ways to make driving calmer: try an audiobook, a soothing playlist, or simply silence. If you can, take a solo drive with no destination – just a quiet loop to clear your head.
Protect your “micro moments” of peace
Christmas tends to fill up fast – parties, plans, people. It’s okay to say no to things that drain your energy.
Move your body, calm your mind
It’s easy to let movement slide during the festive rush, but gentle exercise is one of the quickest ways to lift your mood and release tension. A short walk after lunch, 10 minutes of stretching, or even taking the long way back to the car can reset both body and mind.
Find a moment just for you
On Christmas day itself, before the day begins – before gifts, guests, or lunch prep – take 10 minutes for yourself. Take a breath, look around, and let yourself enjoy the moment – that’s where the real calm is found and can transform your whole day.
