Tips for managing your mental health over Christmas
Prioritise self-care
Your calendar may be filling up quickly with various parties and get-togethers, however, you should try to set some time aside to care for yourself. Going to the gym, reading, and eating healthy food are great ways to boost your mood over the festive period.
Extended hours of darkness and cold weather can have a direct impact on your mood. Many of us end up staying in the house over the cold winter months. However, you should actually get out of the house at least once a day, even just for a short walk or connecting with nature, fresh air can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.
Avoid social media comparisons
If we don’t think we measure up to those we see on social media, it can adversely affect our mental wellbeing. Social media and advertising can exacerbate this, prompting sensations of mediocrity that harm our emotional wellness.
Restrict your access to social media and TV over the Christmas time frame, zeroing in on the advantages of spending time with friends & family.
Partake in community activities
For some, Christmas can be a period of seclusion. This dejection can be especially excruciating for the individuals who have endured deprivations, which many individuals have battled with because of the pandemic.
If you have recently lost a friend or family member, we understand that it's probably going to feel incredibly troublesome adapting to the festive time of year without them. Numerous associations offer help at Christmas, so discovering what is accessible in your neighborhood gives you an amazing wellspring of help.
Enjoy some time off
Permit yourself to get some downtime if your feelings of anxiety are rising. You might need to go for a walk, go out for a coffee or meditate - anything that will assist you with unwinding or loosening up. There are some great resources available such as the Headspace app, and also some great guided meditations on YouTube. Obviously, we understand that this can be difficult to do assuming you have lots of obligations, so plan your breaks ahead of time.
Everything in moderation
It tends to be enticing to indulge at Christmas, especially as we attend gatherings that tend to involve heavy alcohol and food consumption. However, there can be negative effects from indulgence such as a feeling of guilt or regret afterwards.
Don’t dwell on the previous year
As Christmas is the end of the calendar year, people will quite often think back on what they have accomplished and most certainly; what they haven't. Living in the past is not optimal for a healthy mind, instead; celebrate the good times of this year, and think about your goals for next year and how you can achieve them. Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? Maybe you want to get in shape? Write a plan on how you will get there. A dream without a plan is just a wish.
Need to talk? Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or call 111 for urgent advice around mental health.
Stay safe, take care of vulnerable loved ones, and most of all - enjoy the festive period!
A very Merry Christmas from the Ambimind Team x
