3 minute read
Mental Health
Although Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy spent with friends and family, for some Christmas may be met with some apprehension and challenges, particularly for those living with mental health challenges. Amid all the flurry of Christmas, taking time out to remember a few simple ways to protect your wellbeing could make all the difference. Here are some helfpul tips from HelpingMinds to help make this festive season a little more manageable.
Only participate in activities that are significant to you
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Decide which Christmas activities and traditions are most significant to you. Only participate in those activities that have significance for you and decline the activities which cause stress or are insignificant for you.
Stay connected
Keep in touch with friends and family. Even if it’s just a short phone call, having people to talk and laugh with is a great protective factor for our mental health.
Delegate Christmas tasks and ask for help
If you are not coping, communicate openly and remember it’s ok to say “no”. Don’t carry the entire burden.
Make a Christmas budget and stick to it
Christmas time tends to be a time when people spend more money than they can afford. Avoid adding financial stress to your burden this Christmas time by making a budget and sticking to it.
Recognise your signs of stress and use techniques that help you relax
Relaxation techniques are useful when you begin to get irritated or upset. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk or try some mindfulness. Whatever works for you.
Stay active
It is important you stay healthy over the holidays and exercising can be huge mood booster and a great way get you out of your own head for a while. Sometimes finding time or motivation can be difficult, so start small and set realistic goals.
Try not to over-indulge
Christmas is full of temptations but try to enjoy everything in moderation. Overindulgence is often a result of people trying to improve their mood but you may be left with feelings of guilt and shame afterwards.
Drink in moderation
Drinking responsibly is about drinking in moderation. Alcohol can have a negative impact on our mental health, so make informed choices and know your limits when it comes to drinking.
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself
Are you putting too much pressure on yourself this Christmas? You are not alone! Don’t take things so seriously. Be gentle with yourself and just do the best you can.
Find Gratitude. Even if it’s something small
It’s easy to focus on the negative things in life but we all have something to be thankful for. Write down or think about something you’re grateful for, even if it’s someone letting you in to busy traffic.
Get enough sleep
In such a busy and stressful time, it’s important to recharge your batteries. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 hours sleep a night to avoid feeling exhausted.
Have healthy meals planned when you aren’t celebrating
Balance all of those tasty Christmas treats with healthy meal options during your down time. Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and quality sources of protein and dairy. A healthy body can help create a healthy mind.
Find time to relax
The pressures of a busy holiday season can make some people feel worn-out, try not to feel guilty for putting yourself first! It could be as simple as reading a book for a while or watching your favourite movie.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect
Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful and being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. Be kind to yourself this Christmas and know that imperfections are OK.
You are not alone
Don’t think you are alone. Lots of people find Christmas difficult. Stay strong and seek connection with others if you are struggling, there are still support organisations open at this time of year if you need them.
It’s okay to say “no” to some things
Be assertive if you need to be and know it is OK to say no. Put your wellbeing first and don’t over commit yourself. It’s okay to decline someone’s offer or invitation without feeling guilty or shameful. It is OK to put yourself first.
Let someone know if you’re struggling
If you are struggling to cope, there is always someone to talk to.
