Welcome…

As the old song goes, ’It’s beginning

The advice starts RIGHT HERE!

DR AUDREY TANG ‘Christmas rituals give us a

HAVE A MEANINGFUL Christmas

Stay true to your values, embrace the perfectly imperfect, and let go of comparison, for a festive season that will fill up your cup with joy, writes Caroline Butterwick

Understanding what matters to you at Christmas

psychologies DOSSIER With you in mind Getting to

Perfectionism and comparison culture

psychologies DOSSIER With you in mind So, you’ve

Have a mindful Christmas

Working out your values and doing your best

WHAT GIFT DO YOU MOST NEED THIS CHRISTMAS?

To reconnect with what really matters this Christmas and beyond, take our test to find the reminder you need most this festive season

What do you need to remind yourself this Christmas?

IF YOU SCORED MAINLY ♥ I am okay

Join Ollie’s army

Ever wanted to make adifference and train to become a coach? With the Ollie School, you could be changing lives before you know it

Soul

Discover ways to make your soul sing… with creativity, nature, finding your purpose in life and at work, travel and spirituality

In the mood

Thought-provoking culture, insightful science and inspirational snippets to bring you up to date on all things uplifting, hopeful and happy-making

Viewpoint

Send your letters of gratitude and tell us what you loved reading in the magazine to letters@psychologies.co.uk

“Imposter syndrome is super healthy

Television and radio presenter Claudia Winkleman talks to Psychologies about taking wellness seriously in her 50s, the power of a good nap, and why she’ll never wear a sports bra

Filled with love

LIFE AS I KNOW IT

Mind

us comfort and joy Inspiration to boost your happiness and confidence, plus simple steps to overcome anxiety and stress Inspiration to boost your happiness and confidence, plus simple steps to overcome anxiety and stress

WHY NOSTALGIA GIVES US comfort and joy

Bridging a connection to our past and to our people, there’s good reason to treasure our traditions, discovers Kellie Gillespie-Wright

Choose life

Coaching in action

12 days of Christmas calm

Carve out some little pockets of peace amidst the festive fun and frolics, with Joanne Mallon’s soothing rituals to help you re-centre and rise above stress

The light in the dark

Follow the rhythm of nature in this fallow period, with writing prompts to help you rest and rejuvenate, says Jackee Holder

Heart

How to connect more meaningfully and enjoy loving relationships with our partners, children, parents and friends

Home comfort

Coming up for air

Embracing Christmas 2.0

What do you do when life happens, and your festive celebrations no longer fit the mould? Greta Solomon shares how to find light after loss

A new kind of Christmas

If ‘Embracing Christmas 2.0’ has struck a chord with you, discover how author Veronica Henry created her own new-look Christmas…

Q & A

Our new agony aunt, Dr Martha, offers a different perspective on your problems 

CONFLICT

Tackling C hristmas

Pass the mistletoe!

The smell of cinnamon, tinsel, and panic is in

Body

Improve your physical wellbeing with gentle activity, better sleep, optimum nutrition and natural beauty

MINDFUL WELLNESS

Psychologies Wellness Director – mindfulness guru and yoga teacher Ali Roff Farrar – shares expert advice and inspiring ideas to increase your holistic wellbeing

EXCUSES, EXCUSES

Bit of a stretch

Winter Walks

Savour this season of solitude and stillness, and take a mindful moment, says Yasmina Floyer

’Twas the night before Christmas…

Whether or not you choose to buy into the Santa myth, we can all believe in the positive messaging the man in red has come to represent, discovers Yasmina Floyer

SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY…

In this month’s column, musician James Sills explores the songs we sing at Christmas, and how they help us to connect with our past and present

How to be happier

Emma Hepburn, aka The Psychology Mum, shares how to bring more bliss into your life