SHOPPING PANIC
Scenario: You’re doing a last-minute present dash on Christmas Eve, the high street is heaving and you’re exhausted.
De-stress solution: Before you even leave the house, take a vitamin supplement like Seven Seas’ Multibionta Boost, which contains vitamins and minerals that help energy release, plus ginseng and guarana – perfect for a hectic day of shopping. (RRP £4.38, from most pharmacies and health food shops.)
MOTHER-IN-LAW MAYHEM
Scenario: You’re busy whipping up a tasty meal when your mother-in-law barges in and tries to take over.
De-stress solution: Get her chopping vegetables, or ask her to make you a nice cup of herbal tea. Try Pukka Herbs Relax Tea, made with a calming blend of chamomile, fennel and marshmallow root (£2.25 for 20 sachets, from www.pukkaherbs.com).
KIDDIE CAPERS
Scenario: It’s school holiday time and the children are full of beans and more demanding than ever.
De-stress solution: Make some time for yourself every day, and have a good soak in the bath once the kids have gone to bed. Try Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts with frankincense oil and rose petals to get you in the festive mood (£6.59 from boots.com). Then snuggle up with a Slanket (£24.99, from www.firebox.com), a good book and a relaxing candle. Try Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Room Candle, £30, from www.bathandunwind.com.
NO MORE NIGHTMARES
Scenario: The ever-growing Christmas to do list is preying on your mind and you’re finding it hard to sleep.
De-stress solution: Lull yourself into the land of nod with a soothing foot massage. Try HoMedics Snuggly Bear Massaging Booties, £19.99, available at Argos, or Kalms Night One-a-Night (£5.10 for 21 tablets from kalmssleep.com) which contain valerian, an ancient medicinal herb, that helps to ward off anxiety.
MONEY WORRIES
Scenario: There are so many people to buy for and simply not enough money in the bank to stretch to everything you need.
De-stress solution: Draw up a realistic budget well in advance for the big day and only spend what you can afford. Shopping online will save you money and make sure you opt for free delivery. Try sending e-cards instead of real ones to save on postage and visit websites like http://shopittome.co.uk for voucher codes.
LAZY SPOUSE SYNDROME
Scenario: Your other half is permanently glued to the sofa while you run yourself ragged getting ready for Christmas.
De-stress scenario: Write a list of practical things your partner can do to help. If you’re feeling cheeky, hand them a Hoover Jovis Handheld Vacuum Cleaner so they can to give the house a quick once over. (£59.99 from hoover.co.uk).
COOKING LIKE CRAZY
Scenario: You’re scared the big day will mean you’re on your feet for hours with no time for a break.
De-stress solution: Tisserand DeStress Roll-on Remedy, with soothing patchouli oil, is perfect for frazzled moments (£4.99, from boots.com).
FESTIVE FAMILY FEUDS
Scenario: With heaps of relatives descending on your house, rows could break out at a moment’s notice.
De-stress solution: Keep them busy! Give everyone a task from your to-do list or get everyone together for a classic board game.
A MINCE PIE TOO MANY
Scenario: You’ve overindulged and you’ve got extra inches round your waist and a huge hangover to boot.
De-stress solution: Drinking water can help keep hunger pangs at bay whenever you’re tempted to overindulge. Have a pint of water before every meal to suppress your appetite, go on some brisk winter walks and send any leftovers packing with your guests.
BOXING DAY BLUES
Scenario: When the family has gone and the adrenaline has stopped pumping you may feel a bit deflated or even catch a cold.
De-stress solution: Boost your immune system with Multibionta Immune Defence tablets (£16.49 for 60 tablets, from boots.com), which also contain pro-biotics to help your stomach after all that rich food.
