Tips for Managing your Mental Health at Christmas

Practising Self Care: The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season can take a toll on your mental health. Amidst the shopping, decorating, and socializing, it's easy to neglect your own well-being. However, prioritising self-care during this time is crucial to maintain your emotional balance and resilience.

One of the most effective self-care practices is to dedicate one hour each week to yourself. This precious time should be solely focused on activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's indulging in a long bath, reading a captivating book, or pursuing a hobby you enjoy. This dedicated time allows you to replenish your energy, clear your mind, and return to the festivities with a refreshed perspective.

By incorporating self-care into your Christmas routine, you can effectively manage stress, prevent burnout, and foster a sense of inner peace. This proactive approach to your mental health ensures that you can fully embrace the joys of the season without compromising your well-being.

Seek Connections: As human beings we are designed to be around others, so even on a blue day, try to seek out connection. If you can’t meet someone in person, then try reaching out to those you love virtually; they will welcome your contact. You can also try listening to podcasts, they can help keep you company on days that feel long and lonely with no interactions. You can even take them on walks with you!



 

Network: If you are feeling lonely, and don’t feel as if you have people you can turn to, how about creating your own network? You could set up a local interest’s club such as Mothers and Baby’s or around a hobby such as Walking or Bird Watching. You may meet other people going through similar experiences to you and become a mini family. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be hard but others will feel the same as you and need the same support.
 
Other things you could try include: volunteering to deliver food to others who need help, joining a community garden project, or volunteering at a clothing bank or charity shop.
 
Particularly at Christmas, the pressure to be in a family can be overwhelming if you don’t have the so-called ‘normal’ family set up, but you are not alone. There are campaigns on Twitter such as Comedian Sarah Millican’s #Joinin campaign over Christmas. This is an amazing initiative where people can communicate with others who are struggling at this time of year, from bereaved family members to single parents or those in challenging families. You can also text SHOUT to 85258, their trained volunteers are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.



 

Accept Help: If someone offers to help whether it be a friend or a volunteer group, try saying yes. The feeling you get when you help someone is great, so see accepting as your gift to the giver. It can be difficult if you consider yourself an independent person, but it is completely ok to need help and friends/family as well as colleagues will be more than happy to help.




 
Get Outdoors: And we don’t mean you have to do a HIIT workout or run! Even if it’s a 10-minute stroll around the block, give it a try. Winter walks exploring are great for your mental health, in addition, the number of people out and about also walking and the sharing of a ‘good morning’ can really improve your day.



 

Dont Compare Yourself: Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others! While social media is amazing at keeping us connected, it can also be damaging to our mental health if we allow it to take over. One of the best bits of advice we can give is to curate your news feed. Join the groups, follow the people who inspire you and mute the people who don’t. Set time limits if you need to.



 

Count Small Wins: If you are feeling isolated but also anxious about stepping out of your isolation, let’s break that down. What’s the outcome you want? What’s a small change you can make today to help this situation which feels manageable? Send that one email, send a message. And pat yourself on the back for small wins.

Remember that everyone has days that they just get through. Being isolated and lonely is not unique to a certain type of person. And if you enjoy certain elements of isolation, that’s ok too! We are not all one thing or another, there are plenty of blurred lines.

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