Christmas and the festive season can be a time of joy spending times with family and friends. However, on the flipside, it can be a lonely and stressful period, with people struggling to cope with their mental health during the festive period.
There is always so much going on during the festive season and so much for us to juggle – Christmas parties and dinners, Christmas shopping and getting through all the work on our desks before the Christmas break. So, it’s no wonder that our mental health can take a knock during the festive period.
On top of this, if you are an introvert like me the social side of Christmas may also be stressful for you.
So, how do you look after your mental health at Christmas and throughout the festive season?
Tips for looking after your mental health and coping at Christmas
Take time for yourself. It’s okay to say no!
There is a term being used a lot at the moment – “healthily selfish”. It refers to having a healthy respect for your own health, freedom, growth and happiness. A lot of us often always put other people’s needs before their own, particularly throughout the festive season and don’t take time for themselves.
Remember, it is okay to say no. Put some time in your calendar over the festive season to do something you enjoy. Doing things that we love is important for our mental health. When we have busy schedules, it’s very easy to shelve the things we want to do and to put others first. Even if it is just 15 minutes, allocate some time for you to support your mental health.
Give yourself space and take a break
If the festivities are all getting a bit hectic or getting too much, take yourself away from it for a break. Go for a walk in nature, listen to your favourite music, read a book, try mindfulness, or just be in the moment.
Some of the well-known Mindfulness apps such as Headspace and Calm can be trialled for free. Alternatively Mind has some Mindfulness exercises and tips to try, which can be accessed here.
Furthermore, the Christmas break is the perfect time to take some time out of your day-to-day life and reflect on your year and goals. Whether at home or going away, re-energise by giving yourself a change of pace or scene.
Don’t feel the pressure to overspend during the festive season
Buying gifts and the extra spending many of us do over the festive period combined with the rising cost-of-living, it’s no wonder many of us are feeling the pinch and/or have money worries at present. 86% of respondents to a Money and Mental Health survey of nearly 5,500 people with experience of mental health problems said that their financial situation had made their mental health problems worse. (Money and Mental Health Policy Institute) I think all of us feel pressure to buy expensive gifts and to gift to people who we don’t really need to at Christmas. Sponsored adverts are everywhere online at this time of year and they too can influence people’s purchasing decisions to buy things that they don’t really need. Why not consider gifting your time instead? Cook someone lunch or use your skills to complete some jobs or activities for someone. For example, DIY, cleaning, sewing, admin etc…
Don’t feel pressure to say yes to everything
This time of year can be so tiring, with so much happening and to-do lists as long as our arms. Working hard to finalise all our work tasks, planning for Christmas, Christmas shopping and then to top it off comes the invites to Christmas parties and other social engagements that happen during the festive period. Remember, it’s okay to miss a couple of social engagements. As long as you politely decline the invitations in advance, you won’t be judged for not attending the events.
Reach out to other people during the festive season
Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to friends and family who we’ve not spent much time with in the past year. Feelings of loneliness can be more intense at this time of year. So, by reaching out you might make someone feel better and it will make you feel good too.
Don’t compare yourself to others
With social media it is so easy to compare yourself to other people, more so at Christmas. Our social media feeds are often full of images of the “perfect Christmas” and luxurious gifts. However, remember that social media is not a true reflection of people and Christmas – they often don’t show the negative parts.
Keep active and healthy
Easier said than done, I know. I’m a massive foodie and have no willpower when it comes to food. Every year throughout the Christmas break, I overindulge and make myself feel ill. And I suspect I’m not alone. So, this year I have some walks planned and will do the decorating and other jobs I’ve been putting off if the weather is bad. This will mean that I’m not sat on the sofa eating all the leftovers and chocolates gifted at Christmas. Definitely this year my plan is not to overindulge, so that I remain healthy and have the energy to be active and enjoy the Christmas break.
Talk about your feelings
It can be hard to admit that at such an exciting time of year you don’t feel great. But talking about your feelings can improve your mood and help you cope with a tough time.
Talking is a vital part of self-managing your mental wellbeing and staying healthy. Don’t be afraid to admit your feelings to someone you can talk to. They will be glad that you have spoken up and will be able to help you through the festive season.
It’s okay not to feel festive
There can be all sorts of reasons why some of us don’t feel festive. If this is you, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s okay to feel how you feel and you’re not the only one.
Written by Emma Guy, Marketing Manager at the Eventus Recruitment Group.
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Further Reading
Cost free ways to maintain your mental health
How to maintain a work-life balance
Job searching in December. Why December is a good time to begin a job hunt. Click here to read.
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