With Christmas fast approaching, the remaining working weeks of the year can feel a bit overwhelming. There’s end of year get-togethers, deadlines, shopping for gifts, festive planning and more. So, while the festive season can be a magical time, it can for many of us come with additional stress. Financial pressures, strained family dynamics and loneliness are commonly experienced at this time of year.
Christmas therefore is a wonderful time to focus on your self-care as well as raise awareness with family, friends, and teammates. It’s important to prioritise mental health and wellbeing over the festive period and below are some ideas to help you navigate the silly season.
Physical Health:
At this time of year we often tend to overindulge in rich food and alcohol so balancing this out with some fun, healthy exercise will help you to feel less lethargic and more energised. Take the chance to recharge your batteries, ensure that you get enough rest and good quality sleep so you can make the most of the time spent with family or friends.
Emotional Health:
It’s easy to look at what other people have in their lives at Christmas, sometimes this can make us feel sad, inadequate or left behind. Try and avoid these comparisons by thinking about the positive things you have in your own life; things that you cherish and value. It could be anything, small or big, or as simple as the opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather. The physical record of keeping a gratitude journal can also help you to focus on the positive.
Factor in some time just for you, practicing mindfulness and relaxation is a great way to keep stress levels in check, try to make the time to do things that you love to do.
Social Connection:
Connecting and giving are important aspects of wellbeing and what better time to do this than at Christmas? Consider joining a local community group such as a choir or doing some crafts with the kids. Donating your time or resources to a local foodbank, charity or the city mission is a wonderful way to assist those less fortunate at this time of year.
Financial Wellbeing:
This time of year can put people under financial pressure which can in turn impact negatively on mental wellbeing. If Christmas is financially challenging, try and manage your own and others' expectations in terms of gift giving. Christmas should never be about how many presents people receive or how much they spend. Sometimes inexpensive homemade gifts are a unique thoughtful and much more appreciated option. But often of more value is your time and company.
