Finding ways to look after yourself at Christmas can help you stay healthy and happy throughout the holidays.
Whilst the festive season can be a time of fun and frivolity, it can also take its toll on your mental health. Spending time with or without family and friends can be more stressful than day-to-day life.with financial stresses, full diaries and long to-do lists that for some can seem overwhelming.
Follow these tips to help you take care of your mental well-being during the holidays.
Recognise stress
Ongoing prolonged stress or anxiety isn’t normal. Even if it seems like everyone around you is a little bit on edge at Christmas time, don’t ignore how you are felling. Stress can manifest itself in lots of different ways; from feeling moody or irritable, to having trouble sleeping, loss of appetite or feelings easily being hurt.
If you catch yourself starting to feel stressed, you can try techniques like –
stop and take 5 deep slow breaths,
google for a “Mindfulness” relaxation recording,
take a break and do something you enjoy,
write down all the things you have to do, don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help with the list
do some exercise, go for a walk, jog or bike ride
These can help you find some space to find your place of peace and inner calm again.
Looking after your mental health this holiday season
