At the end of the year, things often get pretty turbulent. Tasks pile up on the desk, the last gifts still need to be bought and wrapped - and then there's the crowd-pleasing Christmas dinner you still need to plan. The Christmas preparations can be exhausting.

Here are five tips to stay calm in December.

Tip 1 - The right mindset is the key to remain calm before Christmas

While short stressful periods in life are normal, chronic stress can result in serious illnesses. Before you let the Christmas rush put too much pressure on you, take it down a notch and consider the importance of what’s left on your to-do list. It’s true, the earth keeps spinning, even if not all the Christmas presents arrive on time or if the Christmas dinner might not be a full course meal. What really matters is that you get to spend the holidays with your loved ones.

Tip 2 - Checklist for the holiday countdown

When things get chaotic, structure is the key to stay calm. With a checklist, you'll be able to keep track of everything. It's also incredibly satisfying when you can check off a completed task. Once you’re done, treat yourself with something that makes you happy. Whether with a nice beauty product, a delicious coffee from your favorite coffee shop or with some quality time in nature – give yourself a high five!

Tip 3 - Recharge when you feel drained

During stressful periods, we tend to neglect our own needs. “Not enough time,“ we might tell ourselves – even though we actually feel the urge to take a break. Especially when time is short, it pays off to pause for a moment. If you take the time to mindfully recharge your batteries, you'll be able to get back to work more relaxed, more focused and more satisfied. 

Just treat yourself in between and practice self-care: maybe you want to take a walk through the park (leave your smartphone at home!), enjoy a relaxing guided meditation or pamper yourself with a new manicure. Reward yourself for all that you accomplish every day. That "lost" time in reality is an investment in your well-being.

Tip 4 - Colors to boost your mood

Colors can affect our mood and even improve concentration and productivity. While colors like red or yellow have a stimulating effect, shades like green or blue help us to feel more relaxed. You wonder why? Colors and emotions are linked closely in the brain.

You can use color psychology in day to day life for your well-being. If you’re feeling stressed with all the Christmas hustle and bustle, you might want to decorate the house with fresh fir branches. Not only does it smell heavenly, the green color also has a soothing effect. Our favorite way to use color psychology is with a colorful manicure. How about a festive nail look with green Nail Wraps like "Petrol Green" or "Green Tartan"?

Tip 5 - Use scents to boost your mood and energy

Scents have a direct effect on the psyche – on the limbic system in the brain, the center of our emotions, to be more precise. The scent of lemon for example can help to promote productivity and concentration. 

Just add a few drops of essential lemon oil to a vaporizer or mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba and then put it in the bath. For more relaxation, you can add the oil blend to a foot and hand soak. This is also a great way to prepare for a manicure and pedicure. 

Keep calm & get your nails done!