As part of the continued relaunch of Woman on a Mission, I’m refreshing some of my most-loved wellbeing posts; updated, re-edited and more relevant than ever. With the festive season now in full swing, it’s easy for your stress bucket to fill faster than you realise. So this feels like the perfect moment to pause, check in with yourself and gently reset. How full is your self-love bucket today?
Over on Instagram recently, I’ve been talking about the power of removing things from your plate before adding new commitments, whether that’s a festive to-do, a work project or the emotional load that comes with this time of year. Before we rush towards the magical Christmas Day and New Year, let’s pause. Let’s gently rebalance, reset and make space for ourselves.
Why Stress Buckets Overflow
Right now, many of us are navigating work, home life, caring responsibilities and the uncertainty that real life so often brings. This constant juggling slowly fills our stress buckets. Not just for us, but for our children and families too.
One analogy I love (and always come back to) is this:
“Being in front of screens all day is like attending back-to-back meetings with 30 people each. You’re expected to absorb everything, act on it, remember it, and then head straight to the next meeting.”
No wonder we feel overwhelmed.
The good news? We can empty the stress bucket and refill our self-love bucket through tiny, consistent lifestyle choices and intentional pauses throughout the day.
Nutrition & Lifestyle: The Foundations of a Calmer Mind
What you eat, drink, and do daily has a huge impact on your mood, focus and resilience. Comfort foods, sugar and wine may feel like a quick fix (especially in December! but they often leave you feeling foggy, sluggish and more stressed.
Here are my simple, friendly wellbeing tools:
Think Before You Sip Caffeine feels like energy… until the crash. Coffee, teas, and energy drinks can spike stress levels and disrupt sleep.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Your brain loves water. Herbal teas count too. Staying hydrated boots concentration, supports digestion and help your mind stay clear.
Eat Like Your Brain Depends on It Because it does. Quick snacks and takeaways are tempting during busy weeks, but nourishing meals give you sustained energy, balanced blood sugar and clearer focus. (You’ll find lots of easy, delicious recipes here on the blog.)
Treat Sleep as Non-Negotiable Yes, “just one more episode” is tempting, especially with festive films on overnight but your brain and body need 7–8 hours of true rest. Better sleep means better mood, focus and resilience.
Move Your Body Daily A brisk walk, a stretch, 20 minutes of fresh air; all of it counts. Movement reduces tension, lifts your mood, and helps you think more clearly.
Track Your Habits I’ve created a Consistency Tracker to help you spot the tiny lifestyle shifts that make a big difference. Sleep, hydration, movement, mental load. Track them for four weeks and notice the ripple effect.
And above all: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
“I’m presently experiencing life at a rate of several WTF’s per hour!”
Unknown
I saw this quote and it made me laugh out loud.. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh, even in stressful times.
Tracking Your Stress
Small lifestyle changes often go unnoticed until you track them. Maybe you’re going to bed a little later, drinking more coffee instead of water or waking up in the middle of the night thinking about your to-do list.
These tiny shifts accumulate, quietly filling your stress bucket.
Here are some tiny, doable actions that instantly lighten the load:
Declutter one drawer, shelf or corner.
Clear digital clutter: delete old emails, organise your desktop, unfollow accounts that drain you.
Pause for 5–10 minutes midday. Breathe. Stretch. Reset.
Each small action empties your stress bucket and refills your self-love bucket.
Breathe, Reset and Reconnect
Sometimes the simplest way to reset is to pause and breathe. Even five minutes each day to check in with yourself : a short walk, a few deep breaths or a quiet cup of tea, can help you reset before diving back into the festive chaos.
Lately, I’ve been loving the Winter Reset breathwork series with Stuart Sandeman. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I first discovered Stuart’s work during the pandemic and have been a fan ever since.
Stuart is a globally recognised breathing expert and performance coach, Sunday Times best-selling author of Breathe In Breathe Out, host of BBC Radio 1’s Decompression Session and founder of Breathpod, where he helps people reach their full potential through the power of breathwork and music.
The Winter Reset sessions are free, live at 6:30am GMT every weekday and open to everyone. They’re a wonderful way to slow the pace, clear out mental clutter, and avoid getting swept up in the end-of-year madness. Don’t worry if 6:30am isn’t possible, you’ll receive the download to listen anytime.
If you’d like more tips on reducing stress, simplifying your home and creating space to breathe, you can subscribe to Woman on a Missionor join me on Instagram for weekly inspiration and encouragement.
Feeling inspired to take charge of your stress levels and refill that self-love bucket?
Try the tips in this blog, download the Consistency Tracker, and let me know in the comments how you’re getting on.
Here’s to calmer days, clearer minds, and a beautifully balanced December.
Updated for 2025! This year I’ve refreshed my blog to share even more tips and recipes to make your festive season smooth, delicious and joyful. With a bit of Christmas food prep, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family, friends and the magic of the season.
Christmas is about warmth, family and traditions. There’s something so special about this time of year, the smell of mince pies, the excitement of planning meals and that comforting feeling of home. But let’s be honest, Christmas cooking can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming if we don’t plan ahead.
Over the years I’ve learned that with the right planning, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season with your family. By starting your Christmas prep early, you can stay organised, make delicious meals ahead of time and truly relax on the big day. From freezer-friendly favourites to make-ahead desserts, these small steps will help you enjoy an stress-free, joyful Christmas.
Garden Trading Company
Christmas Traditions: Making The Festive Season Magical.
Every family has their own little traditions, and ours really help set the tone for a calm, happy Christmas. Living by the Devon coast, we love a morning walk on the beach after popping the turkey in the oven. Rather than a starter, we enjoy canapés with a glass of fizz in front of the fire while opening presents. Later, we sit down together for a roast turkey and all the trimmings.
Including family traditions like these makes the season feel special and helps you focus on what truly matters: quality time with loved ones.
I love living by the coast in Devon, so a walk along the beach on Christmas Morning is the perfect way to celebrate.
Why Christmas Food Prep Makes Life Easier
For me, Christmas food prep is all about reducing stress and spending more time with loved ones. The more I can prep in advance, the less time I spend stressing over the turkey or side dishes. A solid plan takes the pressure off and lets everyone enjoy the day.
A week or two before Christmas, prepare and freeze the vegetables, make sauces and bake desserts. this preparation is a total game-changer and lets everyone enjoy the day.
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
DR SEUSS
Start Early (And Make A List!)
Write down everything — from the main meal to snacks, drinks and even breakfast for Christmas morning. Once it’s all there, you can spot what can be made ahead, frozen, or prepped the day before.
I use one master list in my using my free planners and and tick things off as I go, it makes such a difference to see it all on paper rather than swimming around in my head.
Make Ahead Magic: The Secret To Easy Christmas Food Prep.
The freezer is your best friend in December. Roast potatoes, parsnips, gravy and even stuffing can all be cooked in advance and frozen. Label everything clearly (and note reheating instructions!) so you’re not second-guessing yourself on the big day.
Homemade sauces like bread sauce and cranberry sauce also freeze beautifully and taste even better after the flavours have time to develop.
My Go To Christmas Cookbook.
One of my most-used books at this time of year is Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection It’s full of reliable, delicious recipes for the Winter and festive season that never fail. Complete with timings including a Christmas Day cooking itinerary,
If you love the idea of being organised but still want traditional, comforting dishes, this book is a lifesaver and is perfect for your Christmas food prep requirements. Mary’s make-ahead recipes have been a staple in our house for years, they taste incredible and save so much time, especially on Christmas morning.
Prepare For Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to lay the table, chop your vegetables and double-check timings. I always put on a festive playlist, pour something bubbly and get into the spirit while I prep, it turns the jobs into moments to enjoy, especially if the family get involved too! One of our favourite make-ahead meals for Christmas Eve is a relaxed, cosy dinner that sets the tone for the celebrations.
Perfect if you’ve been outside in the cold or for a cosy evening.
Ingredients
2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 lime
200g caster sugar
6 whole cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick
3 fresh bay leaves, 10–12 gratings of nutmeg
1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways
2 star anise
2 bottles red wine
Method:
Peel large sections of the fruit.
Put sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, add peel and juice of oranges. Add spices and vanilla pod, then enough wine to cover the sugar.
Simmer until sugar dissolves, bring to the boil for 5 minutes until thick syrup.
Turn heat to low, add the rest of the wine, gently heat, and serve.
Christmas isn’t just about the food, having something delicious to sip is part of the festive fun. While some guests may enjoy a glass of fizz, it’s just as important to cater to those who prefer something alcohol-free.
I love keeping a selection of non-alcoholic options on hand, like No.1 Living Drinks, which are refreshingly light, flavorful and completely alcohol-free. My favourites include Citrus Hops, with its subtle earthiness and lemony burst. Delicious sipped straight from the bottle or served over ice with a twist of lemon or orange. The Cold-Pressed CBD Wild Berry & Lime with Mint, lightly sparkling and packed with natural vitamins. These are perfect for served over ice with some mint and lime or berries, keeping everyone feeling included.
Christmas Day Made Easy.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I prep as much as possible including writing a menu plan, a shopping list for fresh products and equally what I can organise in advance. The week before the big day, I potter, (ha in-between swimming taxi and other life events, much like everyone else!) doing little jobs in the kitchen, whilst I’m preparing every day meals, so that Christmas Day is kept stress free and smooth!
By the time Christmas morning arrives, most of the prep should be done. Stick to your list, reheat what you’ve prepared and allow yourself to enjoy the process. Christmas food prep transforms cooking from chaos into calm and rewarding moments.
The scent of Christmas – The White Company
“My secret to Christmas this year, as it is every year, is my to-do list. I’m always in charge if preparing the lunch – I like to think of it as simply a big roast dinner”
MARY BERRY
Christmas Food Prep Recipes
Vegetables And Sides
Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Like Mary Berry, I’ve always thought of Christmas lunch as if I’m planning a roast – the pressure is immediately removed!
Whenever I prepare a Sunday roast, I always peel double the amount of potatoes required and use this method With my roast potatoes, so I always have some in the freezer. Christmas is no exception! I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how to cook roast potatoes, however I’m sharing how I save time and to help you have a stress free Christmas Day so here goes!
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform pieces. Parboil 5–7 mins.
Drain, shake in colander to fluff edges, dab dry.
Toss with salt, pepper, and flour, freeze overnight.
On Christmas Day, roast in goose fat until golden and crisp.
4 large parsnips (about 500g) , peeled and cut into 5cm strips
3 tbsp sunflower oil
25g semolina
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Method:
Boil parsnips for 4 minutes and cool.
(At this point, I do exactly as I do with the potatoes, pop in the freezer until the big day.)
Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Heat oil in roasting tin.
Toss parsnips with oil, season, then coat in semolina, paprika, and thyme.
Roast 20 minutes until golden and crisp. Freeze ahead if desired.
Brussel Sprouts
Love them or loathe them, they have to feature don’t they?!
These should be cooked at the very last minute but can be prepared a day ahead and kept in a freezer bag in the fridge.
Cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, and season with salt and pepper and a dash of butter.
If you’d like to go for a little more glamour, stir fry sliced sprouts with bacon lardons, and or chestnuts.
Honey Roasted Carrots
A great side dish to any roast, or with Christmas dinner, these thyme-speckled honey roasted carrots are cooked to enhance their natural sweetness. This recipe from Justine at the Good Food Guide is simple yet full of flavour.
Ingredients:
1kg small carrots, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) Gas 6. Trim the carrots and peel.
Place on a large baking tray, pour the olive oil and toss the carrots well and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 15–25 minutes until almost tender and lightly browned. Which the honey and lemon juice together.
Drizzle with honey-lemon mixture and scatter thyme leaves. Roast another 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and glossy.
“Christmas is about sharing our homes with the people who matter to us the most. And a little planning goes a long way in making every room sparkle, cosset and glow.
From the thoughtful touches to the most memorable moments, we’re all set to help you make your home a place of celebration, comfort and joy this season.”
NEPTUNE
Neptune always brings a special touch to Christmas
Prepare Ahead Christmas Deserts
Lemon and Cranberry Possets
This is an absolutely delicious desert at any time, but is special for Christmas too. Light and super easy to make. Make in advance to serve on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Ingredients
Makes 6-8
1 1/2 pints double cream
9oz caster sugar
Juice of 3 lemons
Handful of cranberries
Method:
Boil cream and sugar for 2 minutes, add lemon juice.
Place cranberries in serving glasses (6-8)
Pour mixture over and chill until set.
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
EDNA FERBER
Chocolate Roulade
A firm Mary Berry favourite in our house for any celebrations and especially at Christmas. This is perfectly light dessert and a lovely alternative to the Christmas Pudding. It’s very easy to make, can be made 24 hours ahead or can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Ingredients
175g plain chocolate
175g caster sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 tbsp cocoa powder
300ml double cream
Icing sugar
Method:
1.Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C / Gas 4. Lightly grease a 33x23cm swill roll tin and line with non-stick baking parchment, pushing it into the corners.
2. Break the chocolate into small pieces into a bowl and stand the bowl over a pan of hot water, the bowl must not touch the water or the chocolate may overheat. Place the pan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Allow to cool.
3. Measure the sugar and egg yolks into a large bowl and whisk on a high speed until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate and stir until evenly blended.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Mix gently, fold in the remaining egg white and the sieved cocoa powder. Spread evenly in the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until firm.
5. Remove the cake from the oven, leave in the tin, cover with a dry tea towel and leave until cold.
6. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape and dust a large piece of greaseproof paper with sifted icing sugar. Turn out the roulade and peel of the greaseproof paper. Spread with the cream. Roll up very tightly like a Swiss roll using the paper to help. Don’t worry if the roulade cracks, a good one should! Dust with more sifted icing sugar to serve.
If you’re planning to freeze, omit the final icing sugar until you’re ready to serve.)
“Christmas is a together-y sort of holiday.”
WINNIE THE POOH
Christmas food prep is all about planning ahead, not perfection. Make lists, prep dishes early, and enjoy your traditions without stress. The more you prepare, the more you can relax, laugh and be present with the people who matter most.
I’d love to know your best Christmas prep tip or which recipe you’ll be trying first! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram so I can see your festive creations. Be kind to yourself, have a glass of something special, relax and enjoy your day.
Ever feel like the day slips away before you’ve even had a chance to catch up? You’re not alone. Life can feel like a constant race, and sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours to get it all done.
But what if the key isn’t doing more, but doing what matters most — in a way that actually fits your life?
In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to reclaim your time and find focus, even when hours are scarce. You’ll see how small, intentional actions can make a huge difference.
Focus On What Truly Matters.
When your to-do list feels endless, the trick is not to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to get done today?
Which task, if completed, would make everything else feel lighter?
This helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks and instead channel your energy where it counts.
Top Tip:
I love to write my list the night before so I have a clear Mission of what I need to prioritise first in the mornings. Itclears my brain ready for a good nights sleep.
Don’t worry, take a breathe. Let’s remove the overwhelm.
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs”
Henry Ford
I’m a firm believer that if we look after the small things, then bigger things, which might seem impossible, take care of themselves…
Mini Power Hours: When You Don’t Have An Hour
Sometimes a full hour isn’t possible. That’s okay! Even 20–30 minutes of focused effort can move mountains.
Set a timer for a mini session.
Eliminate distractions — no phone, no notifications.
Focus on just one small but meaningful task.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, intentional bursts.
Turn Mundane Missions Into LittleWins:
Even chores or routine tasks can become productive “Power Moments”:
Fold laundry while listening to a favourite podcast.
Prep ingredients for meals while catching up on news or messages.
Tidy one zone of your home at a time instead of the whole house.
Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized pieces keeps overwhelm at bay and gives a sense of progress.
Prioritise Yourself Too
Your Power of an Hour isn’t just for productivity — it can also be for self-care.
Enjoy a quiet coffee and a few pages of a book.
Go for a brisk 20-minute walk outside.
Try a short meditation to reset your mind.
Even small breaks refresh your focus and make the rest of your day more manageable.
Your Next Step.
Start small. Pick one task, block 20–60 minutes, and see what you can achieve.
The Power of an Hour isn’t magic. it’s simply making the most of the time you have, with focus, intention, and a little planning.
I’d love to know how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your #powerofanhour stories, and let’s celebrate the small wins together.
A walk along the coast in the fresh can be super powerful.
What You Can Achieve In An Hour
Even a single hour can make a big difference when it’s focused with intention. Whether it’s boosting your wellbeing, shifting your mindset, or tackling a small but meaningful task, an hour is more powerful than it seems.
Below are five ideas and posts to inspire how you can make the most of just 60 minutes, simple, practical, and life-changing ways to use your time wisely.
The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools.
It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.
What will you do with your next Power of an Hour? I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram or comment below. Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use the hashtag!
Here’s to feeling more in control and less overwhelmed!
A simple, hearty tray bake perfect for busy family meals.
When life feels full and you’re craving something comforting yet effortless, this super simple family recipe might just be your new go-to. A roast chicken tray bake that’s big on flavour, low on fuss, and loved by everyone around the table. This little mission is all about slowing down, simplifying mealtimes, and making dinner something to look forward to — not stress over.
Super Simple Roast Chicken Tray Bake
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 2 (double for a family of four!)
Ingredients:
2 red onions (320g), sliced into rings
1 large red pepper, deseeded and chopped into 3cm chunks
300g potatoes, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks (I use Charlotte potatoes)
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin and fat removed
1 lime, zested and juiced
3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
200g long stem broccoli, cut into lengths (or tender stem broccoli in season)
“We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner … and just by having fun together.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf “of all things that matter most
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / gas 6.
Toss the onion, pepper, potatoes, and oil in a non-stick roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes.
Rub the chicken with lime zest, garlic, paprika, and thyme.
Remove the vegetables from the oven, stir, and nestle the chicken thighs among them. Cover the thighs with some onions and roast for 40 minutes.
Mix 200ml boiling water with bouillon powder.
Remove the tray from the oven, add the broccoli, and pour over the hot stock and lime juice. Cover with foil and roast 10 more minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
This dish is perfect for lunches, midweek suppers, or even leftovers the next day. Super simple family recipes make life so much easier, and I hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.
This recipe is great for lunches, midweek suppers and is even better the next day – should there be any left!
Let me know in the comments below or join the conversation over on Instagram — I’d love to hear how yours turns out.
If you’d like more super simple family meals and inspiration for stress-free cooking, you’ll find plenty more ideas in my Recipe Collection — it’s full of easy, delicious dishes for busy days.
Stay happy and healthy,
Hi, I'm Claire
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
