Pauline McKinnon: Anxiety expert’s FIVE tips on how to survive Christmas

The lead up to Christmas is one of the busiest and potentially the most frantic periods of the year for many people. As a result, this can be one of the most demanding and stressful times, where blood pressure rises and worries and challenges surface.

Melbourne based psychotherapist and anxiety expert, Pauline McKinnon, has been a leader in the field of therapeutic meditation for over 30 years.

Pauline specialises in the unique Western style Stillness Meditation, the work of renowned psychotherapist, Dr Ainslie Meares. This natural style of meditation has been life changing for countless people and once mastered, can be done almost anywhere, at any time. This style of meditation does not involve complex postures, music, chanting or mental focus of any kind. Essentially, the major purpose of this style of meditation is all about rest for the mind!

“The practice of natural mental rest leads to inner calm, a necessity when managing the festive season with poise and grace,” Pauline McKinnon said.

“If there’s ever a time when meditation is important, it’s Christmas. While I’d like to see the majority engaging in stillness meditation throughout the year, it is especially important to incorporate relaxing practices of any kind into your daily regime at…