Christmas Survival Guide 2025

The nights have drawn in, and the cold weather nips at our noses. The twinkling lights of Christmas sparkle into the darkness. It is Winter, and it is beautiful.

Winter, for me, is a time to recharge after the long, carefree days of summer and the busyness of Autumn.

The cosy evenings with family and friends, hot chocolates, card games and movies – quiet, gentle togetherness is a vital part of my recharge.

December can see us in a whirlwind of busy, meaning the potential for our well-established self-care routines (be that exercise, reading, journalling – whatever your thing) can slide to the side.

Nobody wants a Christmastime (or winter) compromised by musculoskeletal pain, stress or burnout. My top tips for avoiding these are below:

1. Get organised, I LOVE a list! Leaving things to the last minute can put a lot of stress on us, leading to tight muscles and headaches.
2. If you are shopping in person, return to the car regularly to avoid carrying heavy or bulky items longer than necessary. If you are shopping online, take regular breaks so you avoid tech-neck (see my tech neck stretches).
3. PLEASE use a table to wrap any gifts, avoid the floor!
4. Visiting family or taking a holiday? Break up any long drives—I recommend a 5-minute break every 90 minutes. Simply park up, walk about, maybe stretch, and off you go! This is a great brain break, too! If you are flying, move about on the flight and be careful when lifting luggage – avoid lifting cases across your body.
5. Don’t put up with those uncomfortable niggles, book in with your favourite osteopath!
6. Christmas can be a hectic period – make time for self-care by keeping your existing routines in place, and treat yourself as well as others – a beautiful bubble bath with a book, or a winter walk is such a delight. Give your brain a break from the bustle!
7. If you suffer from neck pain/shoulder pain/headaches, and you have a specific pillow you use to help combat this, take it away with you if you’re staying away overnight.
8. Stay active! Christmas can dominate your diary, keep exercise plans in place and remember movement is medicine.
9. Be really careful when lifting hot, heavy things out of the oven, especially if you have a painful back. Take your time, use your knees (if you have a low oven) and your core (KOPI 30% engagement video) — or ask for help if possible!
10. If you are under pressure to meet Christmas deadlines at work, keep your regular break habits in place and take that lunchtime walk. You will be more productive if you keep these things in place.
11. Embrace JOMO - (the Joy Of Missing Out)! Don’t feel the pressure of saying yes to things you don’t want to do, for example, work that extra shift, or attend a Christmas party. It is more than ok to say no. Remember, “No” is a sentence.
12. Read an inspiring book to get your brain focussed on the New Year. Reading 10 pages of a book can transform your life. I recommend reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson as a starting point; my book review for this is here. This will also help you get super specific with your SMART GOALS and create an incredible, inspiring vision board.

If you are feeling lonely over Christmastime, reach out to family and friends, even if it's just a catch-up call over the phone.

The Well at Kibworth are often open Christmas morning for a mince pie, a hot cuppa and a friendly smile.