FESTIVE temptations can be hard to resist.
Whether it’s gluttony, greed, sloth or anger, here’s how to prevent (or repent for) your sins…
The countdown to Christmas can be a time of over-indulgence, from last-minute shopping trips to gorging on mince pies and mulled wine at parties.
It’s all good fun, but the intense emotions and feelings of stress and anxiety that often come up at this time of year may be behind some poor decision-making.
“Families are more scattered, older relatives might be ill, finances may be an issue, divorce rates are up, and families can have their own complex dynamics,” says Anna Mathur, psychotherapist and author of The Good Decision Diary.
“So, if you’re running around trying to get things done, drinking more than usual, not getting enough sleep and feeling tired, frazzled and overwhelmed, you’ll be less able to navigate stressful moments and choices.
“This means emotions, such as anger, envy and pride are easily triggered, which can bring out the sinner in us all.”
Gluttony
Over-eating is the easiest trap to fall into. “Festive foods like turkey, seasonal veg and nuts are actually healthy,” says functional nutritionist Gemma Clare.
“The real issue is party food. It’s easy to graze on fatty, salty, sugary foods, and this, teamed with more alcohol than usual, affects digestion and can cause discomfort, bloating and weight gain.
“It can also lead to blood sugar spikes, which make it harder to control food cravings.”
SIN SAVIOURS: Go for olives and nuts such as almonds, which are rich in good fats and protein.
And try non-alcoholic drinks from brands like Mother Root, Sentia Spirits and Lyre’s sparkling Classico Grande.
Greed
This sin is about wanting more than you need. “Greed, whether it’s bingeing on chocolate cake or shopping, often stems from insecurity and low self-esteem,” says Anna.
“It can also be a sign of loneliness, frustration, anger or boredom.
“There’s always an underlying emotional reason. It’s about trying to fill a hole – you grab at everything, hoping it will make you feel better, but ultimately, nothing satisfies.
“You need to ask yourself: ‘What is it that I’m really hungry for?’”
SIN SAVIOURS: Feel the urge to splurge? Give something away instead.
Clearing out your wardrobe and taking a bag to the charity shop gives a different kind of self-worth buzz.
Interrupt thoughts of bingeing on unhealthy stuff with breathwork, or keep an essential oil like lavender or peppermint to hand, to calm your mind. Try Tisserand Roll-On Wellbeing Collection, £19.
Lust
In a study of 2,000 people, around one in 10 workers admitted they are more likely to have a one-night stand over the festive season.*
“Lust is often about loneliness and feeling disconnected,” says Anna.
“Many people experience feelings of loss, sadness or family and relationship problems at this time of year.
“Add alcohol into the mix, and decision-making is further impaired. As well as putting you at risk of STIs, you may also feel shame and regret.”
SIN SAVIOURS: If you‘re flirting when you shouldn’t be, pause and check in with your inner desires.
“Are you craving connection? Feeling unseen? Bored? Lonely? Name the emotion beneath the urge, then choose a healthier next step – call a friend, step outside for air, or head home before tiredness or alcohol cloud your decision-making,” says Anna.
Don’t forget, you need an STI test every year or every time you have sex with a new partner, and the NHS offers free testing.
Sloth
Silly season quickly turns into sloth-like living, especially in the days between Christmas and New Year.
Continuous snacking and watching box sets feels good in the moment, but will probably make you more lazy, bloated and grumpy.
“Just think how you’ll feel at the end of December,” says Anna.
“That’s how a lot of people get catapulted into making unsustainable New Year resolutions in January.”
But there’s a better way to press the reset button.
SIN SAVIOURS: Switch your passive rest (scrolling, zoning out, snacking) to active rest (walking, stretching).
“Resting isn’t always about doing nothing – go for a walk instead of your usual run, or stretch instead of a workout,” Anna suggests.
Keep up light engagement with others, too, which stops you slipping into unproductivity.
“Sometimes all you’ll need is connection with someone – chatting to a friend or playing with your kids – rather than collapsing into a habit that doesn’t actually refill you,” says Anna.
Envy
Christmas is a time for catch-ups over mulled wine.
But hearing about a friend’s promotion or beautiful new home can bring out the green-eyed monster in us.
“Envy always tells a story,” says Anna. “Seeing other people achieve their goals can highlight areas where you’re not reaching your own potential.”
SIN SAVIOURS: Think about where you want to be in your life this time next year.
What actionable steps do you need to take to get there? Plan them out as small goals.
“Rather than feeling bitter about someone else’s good fortune, try to motivate yourself instead,” says Anna.
When you feel the sting of envy listening to your friend sharing their news, do a quick mental audit of your own personal values.
So, she’s got a big pay packet? But you love working from home and being able to spend time with your kids, and you wouldn’t change that for the world.
Pride
Personal pride drives a need for praise – being the best host or the most lavish gift-giver, for example – to make you feel good.
Acting superior might also show up as bragging or competing. But pride can also provoke poor financial decisions.
To maintain a perception of wealth, even the best of us overspend.
“Rather than admit you’re struggling, you may be left with a bigger overdraft,” says Anna.
SIN SAVIOURS: Be honest about your finances.
“One Christmas, there were loads of us in the family who were either moving house or having a baby.
My sister-in-law said they were a bit stretched and suggested doing Secret Santa, instead,” says Anna.
“The relief was palpable. Often, when you take the brave step of being honest, this gives everyone else the permission to do the same.”
Pride stems from wanting to be perceived a certain way.
To combat this, mentally separate your actions from your self-worth.
List three things you are proud of that cost no money and rely on no external validation, such as loyalty to your friends, or making a colleague laugh today.
As Anna says: “If circumstances change – finances, health, jobs – does that make you any less worthy?”
Wrath
Christmas get-togethers can be a hot bed for anger, irritation and snappiness.
“Many people find it triggering going back to their childhood home, where they suddenly feel like a moody teenager again,” says Anna.
“There’s always someone who is holding on to traditions that no one else cares about, has had too much to drink, or has different political views.
“That’s just what happens when families and friends get together.”
So, what can you do to avoid letting anger get the better of you?
SIN SAVIOURS: If you feel yourself getting riled up, learn the signals in your body – such as your heart pounding – as a cue to step away.
Go to another room or into the garden, and take a few deep breaths until you feel calmer.
When your aunt starts her next political monologue, instead of participating, choose to observe.
Imagine you are a documentary film-maker looking at a strange specimen in their habitat, or a character in a sitcom!
