We are officially in the run-up to Christmas: it is now ‘fully-fledged’ December; Ross Kemp has turned on the lights; the twinkly decorations are up around the house; the radio is spurting out a non-stop flow of Mariah Carey and Slade…

Christmas can be a truly crazy time of organising, going out, shopping, socialising and dashing about to make sure you get to the school carol services/nativity plays, work drinks and the usual traditions. For some of us, it is also a stressful time of working out how to fit in seeing all parts of the family, the in-laws and close friends.

While Christmas is certainly a time of joy and merriment, with all this frenetic activity, it can also be incredibly challenging. Add to this busy-ness the work that needs to be done before year-end, and the magical way that Christmas seems to suck money from your bank account, you are not alone if you find this time of year as anxiety-full as joyful.

If you do find yourself in a bit of Christmas whirlwind, here at PilaYoga we have three top tips to help keep your feet on the ground.

1. Take time to rest

Winter is a time that is conducive to hibernation and rest. Be aware of your energy levels, and if you feel yourself flagging, give yourself permission to stay home and cosy-up. The world will keep turning if you don’t accept every social invitation offered up. Have the confidence to say no.

2. Service

What you do to others, you do to yourself. When we do something for someone else, we activate the heart centre. Switch the focus from parties and presents for a while, and think about what you can do for those less fortunate – elderly neighbours, those who are struggling or on their own,friends who might be in an unfamiliar situation this Christmas – entering into the season with a family that looks different than it did last year. See what you can do to help, offer your support, be an ear.

3. Yoga

When you can, step onto the mat. Many types of yoga are perfect for relieving stress. When Auntie Gertrude has pushed all your buttons, and criticised everything from the way you stuff your turkey to the children’s table-manners, come into PilaYoga! We all tend to see the world with more loving eyes after a yoga class. The time in the class will certainly help you to cope with external stresses, and will give you a welcome break from the somewhat relentless nature of the Christmas holidays.

Take a look at our classes, from Hatha to Yin, Vinyasa to Restorative – we have a style of yoga that is bound to suit you over the festive season. Whether you need a break from the endless mulled wine and minced pies socialising, or some friendly faces and a warm space to cocoon you if you need buoying up, You can book a class using the MindBody app.

Give the gift of Pilates and Yoga with our Christmas offer of 3 PilaYoga classes and 2 Reformer Pilates classes for £50 (RRP £93). Marlow Club members can experience full access to PilaYoga for December for just £15pm and only £20pm thereafter.