In the chaos that is Christmas time it’s easy to sacrifice your precious down time and devote it instead to present shopping, card writing and costume making! Obviously these things are essential to Christmas and as the devoted parents we are, couldn’t possibly bypassed; but why not give yourself a little gift this year? Once the crackers have been cracked, the presents unwrapped and turkey devoured.... why not leave the family snoring in front of the fire and reward all your hard work with some relaxation time.

Below we have the perfect antidote to festive stress - put it on your list for Santa or pop it in the stocking of an equally stressed out friend.

Debenhams - Grey Check Pattern Revere Pyjama Set

Now £17.50  Was £25.00

Stay snug and stylish on Christmas morning with these super cute grey checked PJs. Made from brushed cotton and available in Petite, Regular and Tall,they are the perfect winter warmer. No need to be worried about those dreaded present opening photographs whilst you’re rocking these beauties!

NEOM Perfect Nights Sleep Pillow Mist, £20.00

NEOM pillow mist is a personal favourite of mine- it’s a little miracle in a bottle! We all know how important sleep is, not only for a persons overall health and well being, but also to enable the body to repair itself, boost your immune system and prevent weight gain. Throughout the festive season its easy to have  one too many late nights, couple this with the manic whirlwind of a family Christmas and the result is a jaded snappy mummy!  Give your body a Christmas present this year- give it a few nights of deep restful sleep. Made from 100% natural ingredients and created by a brand who specialise in Wellness, this is definitely one to try. 

SKOG Mini Pine Scented Candle £16.00 each

I know scented candles are a bit cliched; an article on relaxation is guaranteed to have the ubiquitous scented candle thrown in somewhere! But it doesn’t alter the fact that smell has a huge impact on our mood and wellbeing. These Scandinavian candles are based on the smell of the Boreal Forest and nothing says Christmas to me like the smell of pine needles when you walk into a home. Due  to very mischievous two year old, this year we have opted for our first fake tree- thankfully due to SKOG, the house still feels, and smells, divine! 

The White Company Burlington Cable Knit Throw £45.00

If you are anything like me and my friends, you will have a little stash of throws and blankets that somehow makes an appearance at the end of every party! Nothing says comfort like curling up in front of the fire wrapped in a cosy blanket. This throw isn’t the cheapest but it is worth every penny. Knitted in Portugal this wonderfully soft knit will last for many winters to come. 

Calm- Meditation and Sleep App

7 day Free Trial, £28.99 per year 

My other half swears by this download whenever life gets a little bit too much. Take yourself off to a dark, quiet room and give your mind and body an hour to breathe and re calibrate. I know its hard to find the time (I often can’t even have a wee in peace!) but its amazing how different you can feel, and how much more productive you can be, after a short break from life. Leave the washing up, ignore the ironing, they will still be there when you have finished. Nothing is more important than taking care of your mental health.

Spa Day with the Girls

Titanic Day Spa, Heat and Ice Experience. Around £85.00 per person

 Sometimes we all need something to look forward to. When the festive stress hits its peak, give yourself a late Christmas present and book a cheeky day spa. Packages vary hugely in price and treatments, but even use of the facilities (often around £50pp) can give you that little break that you need. If you struggle to justify the cost, why not make a pact with your friends that rather than buying gifts for each other, you all enjoy a pamper day together instead. 

Do Not Disturb Eye Mask £7.50

www.heat-treats.co.uk

One of my friends has set a rule for her children, as soon as they see mummy’s ’do not disturb’ eye mask, they know its time to occupy themselves for an hour. Woe betide anyone who ignores this rule as they are likely to have all privileges revoked for the rest of the day! Harsh but, in my mind, fair (and well worth £7.50).

A walk in the country, Free

Obviously stress relief doesn’t need to cost money, one of the best ‘head clearers’ in my opinion is taking a walk in the fresh air! It doesn’t need to be a ten mile hike with flasks and sandwiches, it can be a ten minute walk around your local park or walking to the local shop rather than taking the car. Christmas is a time of laziness and over indulgence (of which I am a HUGE fan by the way!) but it can make you rather stir crazy. Last year my partner and I got into the habit of taking our little boy for a walk around the town to see all the Christmas lights before we started bed time. It gave everyone chance to wind down from the day and have a bit of family bonding. Exercise is proven to release endorphins into the blood but I believe some crisp Christmas air must do something similar too. You may not feel like it after a manic day but once you’re all wrapped up and out there, you will reap the benefits- I promise!

BOOK NOW - CHRISTMAS SALE £30!!

Saturday, February 8, 2020

• 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

• Aspire Leeds (map)

The Capsule by Natalie Anderson brings you an evening of Fashion, Styling & Building Body Confidence. Featuring a range of independent fashion & beauty brands, styling demos and insightful discussion from a panel of guest speakers, this is an evening not to be missed. Tickets on sale now at our special Christmas price of £30!

Featuring

Anna Mewes, Celebrity Stylist Martine Alexander, The Long & The Short Of It @Wearitlikeruth & @thesearchforsassiness, Rachel Peru, Clockface Beauty, Katie and May, Apparel Leeds, Moo Boutique, Sistoria, Copper & White….

Further Guest Speakers & Brands to be announced shortly….