Advice from Uckfield experts on having a stress-free Christmas
Stress levels can soar at this time of year but if you remember to set aside some ‘me-time’ you should be able to enjoy preparations for Christmas and be on top form when the celebrations begin.
Here we offer tips from people whose work revolves around helping people relax and feel better about themselves. They all list within the Uckfield Directory on the Uckfield News website and we will link from their names to contact details, writes Cathy Watson.
These businesses might also be able to help with Christmas presents because many sell gift vouchers.
We explored Uckfield shops for other gift ideas in our last two Personal Shopper features so do refresh your memory by taking a look at:
Uckfield gears up for Christmas
Don’t forget the late night shopping event organised by Uckfield Chamber of Commerce on Friday, December 10.
There will be lots going on including entertainment from primary schools and drummers from the Uckfield Community Technology College group Spiritus.
There will also be a Winter Wonderland in Elizabeth Gardens, off Grange Road, and Father Christmas, helped by Uckfield Lions, will be outside Bridge Cottage.
When we spoke to chiropodist Karen Bedwell, pictured right, about tips for a stress-free Christmas she thought immediately about “party feet”.
"Don’t leave nail varnish on for too long and when, at the end of a night out, your feet really do need attention add six drops of lavender oil and six drops of tea tree oil to warm water in a footpath and soak them for ten minutes.
“Lavender will sooth your feet ... and the rest of you. It is very sophorific,” she said.
Karen also warned that very cold feet should be warmed with care. “Avoid hot water bottles, they can cause chilblains. Don’t have your bath water that’s too hot for the same reason.”
The best thing to do is use a warming cream and put on a pair of socks. This will encourage blood capillaries to dilate and increase the blood supply.
Marian Child, of Marian Child Massage Therapies, advised shoppers to buy light things first and leave bigger, bulky, items until the end of Christmas shopping trips.
“Try not to carry the heavy things around for long and do remember to bend your knees when lifting things into the car. Support yourself, if possible, on the frame of the car to help with leverage.”
Marian is pictured above demonstrating a wrist stretch. You might be interested in her Exercise of the Day which appear on her website.
Jenny Harvey from Celtic Touch Therapy, pictured below, agreed that Christmas was often a time of raised expectations and unwanted stresses often resulting in us becoming unwell just as we stop for the holiday season.
She said tension headaches, sore muscles and tired minds all lingered on in a time we should be resting and enjoying our celebrations and time off.
She suggested preventing aches and pains by considering a therapeutic or a hot stone massage to rest, relax and de-stress body and mind or have a natural facelift massage to lift and brighten a tired complexion. Ten per cent off is available on all first treatments at Celtic Touch Therapy.
A special treat awaits Uckfield News readers booking a cut and blow dry at Academy of Hair because owner Jo Snelgrove is offering a free five-minute massage and heat treatment conditioner to all those who mention our website.
Just mention UckfieldNews.com when booking your appointment.
At the Back on Track Clinic owner Charlotte Peatfield is offering one free massage to the first person calling the Back on Track clinic who mentions the Uckfield News website. A massage would normally cost £30.
Chiropractor Charlotte's tip for a stress-free run-up to Christmas is that shoppers protect their backs by packing shopping evenly and spreading the load between both sides of the body.
“Many people favour one side and that can cause problems,” she said.
Charlotte also advised wearing sensible shoes. “Don’t go out in high heels and do make sure your shoes are comfortable. Take regular breaks and drink plenty of water.”
Aromatherapist Chris Martin, who has just created her own range of bath oils and creams, recognises a tendency to cram as much as we can into each day and says that gets more intense as Christmas approaches.
She said: “Taking 'time out' regularly is really vital to re-charge the batteries, giving both the mind and body a rest. It is also an important part of keeping the immune system working well - alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
“It can be as little as ten minutes a day but it must be regular - a walk somewhere pleasant, a bath with essential oils, a massage - whatever you enjoy and can fit in.
“Aroma can play a big part in how we feel so it's no coincidence that burning the right essential oils can ease a stressful situation. Christmas is a time for smells - orange and cinnamon (one of my favourites), pine, chestnuts all remind us of this time of year.
“So by filling the air with calming aromas we can diffuse many a tense time. Lavender is always quoted as 'the calming' fragrance, which is true to many - but not everyone likes it.
“Its benefits can be enhanced by blending with other oils and that's why it can be helpful to speak to a qualified Aromatherapist.
“I have many blends that have calming, relaxing properties that my clients can use between their treatments ‘It's like taking your Aromatherapist home with you!’
“These are now available to all through the launch of PEARLAROMA, a range of skin friendly family products.”
Finally Chris warns: “Don't overdo Lavender as it can be stimulating in larger quantities!”
Maria Cornwall, owner of The Beauty Spot, advises taking time to relax before going to bed at the end of the day – even if only for ten minutes.
“Take deep breaths in and out. Essential oils, aromatherapy oils are really good to help you relax. And make sure you keep up your intake of vitamins.”
One of the special treats proving popular at The Beauty Spot at the moment is the ‘Chocolate body wrap’.
This is a full body, exfoliation massage using chocolate massage cream on the back of the body. The whole body is cocooned, wrapped in plastic and in a blanket. It also includes a head massage and a foot massage.
“People go out as if they are drunk, they are so relaxed,” said Maria.
At Claire Davies Hairdressing, Sam, the Kerastase Salon Specialist recommends “The Indulgent Weekend”.
Her advice is:
- Treat yourself to a professional haircare masque.
- Set aside 30 minutes to relax
- If you have candles light them!
- Warm a clean fluffy hand towel on the radiator
- Shampoo with a professional shampoo suitable to your hair type.
- Towel dry then apply the masque.
- Massage & wrap the warm towel around your head for 20 mins.
- Put your feet up with a good magazine.
Have you got relaxation tips you would like to share? Please feel free to comment below.
(Added to site Wednesday, December 1st, 2010)
