If you’re finding the holidays a little tense, you certainly won’t be alone. But wellness advisor Richie Norton is here to help, offering up his top tips to stay cool, calm and collected as we head towards New Year’s Eve
“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,” says Richie Norton, breath and mindset coach, and wellness ambassador for Volvo Cars UK. In a recent survey from Volvo, one in five (21%) say travelling to and from home for Christmas is their least favourite drive of the year, citing heavy traffic (37%), the rush to get out of the house on time (30%) and children complaining in the back seat (26%) as major stressors. But there are ways to make this period less stressful.
And Richie is here to help. “Making time for yourself and looking after your wellbeing is so important to ensure you have the energy to share with others,” he says. “Being with loved ones over the festive period is ultimately what it’s all about. But if it gets too much, do things that help you find perspective during this time.”
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Breathe before you begin
Before diving into your festive to-do list, take a moment to centre yourself 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.
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. Protecting your “micro moments” of peace might mean leaving your phone in another room, skipping one social event, or carving out an evening to recharge.
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, ten minutes of stretching, or even taking the long way back to the car can reset both body and mind.
Turn any solo drive into downtime
Driving is one of the few moments we can be truly alone. The reality is: most car journeys over Christmas involve kids in the back, traffic, or time pressure – not exactly peaceful. But 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.
A quieter car, like an electric vehicle, can make this even more restorative. Inventing a reason to jump in your car and take a moment of ‘down-time’ is a great way to recharge. In a recent survey from Volvo, more than half of those surveyed (54%) find that time behind the wheel gives them a rare quiet moment over the festive period. Listening to music or podcasts (35%), watching the scenery pass by (22%), and enjoying the focus and sense of control that driving provides (15%) all help people reset.
New Year – find a moment just for you
On New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day itself, before the day begins – before gifts, guests, or lunch prep – take 10 minutes for yourself. Step outside with a coffee, go for a walk in the fresh air or have a bath. A moment of stillness first thing sets the tone for the rest of the day. 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.
Let go of perfection…
Don’t aim for a “perfect” night; a simple, fun celebration is enough. The pursuit of a flawless New Year’s Eve often leads to anxiety about meticulous planning, from finding the perfect outfit to arranging the most exciting plans. Abandoning the need for perfection eliminates this pressure, allowing for a relaxed evening where you can genuinely unwind rather than manage expectations.
When you let go of rigid expectations, you free yourself to be present in the moment with friends and family. A “perfect” night can often become a distraction from actual human connection, as you focus more on the event’s execution and appearance for social media rather than enjoying the company of others. An imperfect, spontaneous evening often fosters more authentic interactions and lasting memories.
The best moments in life are often unplanned. Letting go of perfection opens the door for spontaneity, allowing you to embrace unexpected events or changes in plans without feeling that the night is “ruined”. Whether it’s a quiet night in, an impromptu walk, or a last-minute gathering, these moments can be more meaningful than a meticulously choreographed celebration.
…and this sets a positive tone for the New Year
The way you end the year can set the tone for the beginning of the next. By choosing contentment and presence over an exhausting pursuit of perfection, you are starting the new year with a healthy mindset that prioritises wellbeing and balance over unattainable standards. This encourages a more realistic and self-compassionate approach to your resolutions and life in general.
*For more information on Volvo’s EV range, visit: Volvo electric cars | EV range and offers | Volvo Cars
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