'Tis the season to be jolly' but not always for everyone.
By Ann Ellmers on Nov 30, 2021
You and your mental health still matter this Christmas
Christmas can be a joyful time of the year, however, for some people, it can also be one of the hardest times of the year. Christmas can bring about feelings of obligation and over-commitment to social plans. Some people may experience loneliness and isolation. Others may find the disruption to their routines destabilising.
Reframing – How can you be your friend this Christmas
Turn the volume down on the internal critic
Let yourself be the way you feel
Have a Christmas that works for you
Remember that you are loved. YOU are worth it
Give yourself permission to be you
Think of it as your rest day
Boundaries – what is your agenda this Christmas
Have clear boundaries with people – parents / in-laws etc.
Balance your sense of social obligations against your need for self-care
Challenge the assumption that anything ‘needs’ to happen over Christmas
Give yourself permission to say no
Think about what your agenda for looking after your wellbeing this Christmas is, and prioritise it
Let family and friends know that you will need time out for quiet and calm
Actions – what self-care and day to day activities can you keep doing?
Sit in the garden in a warm coat and get a brief sunny boost
Meditate
Find time to yourself – take a long bath, or go on an errand, 5 minutes to yourself can be really helpful
If you struggle with sleep, stick as close as possible to your usual routine
Keep up with your self-care routine – exercise, sleep, socialise, volunteer, walk outdoors
Spend time doing charity and community work
Ask someone to keep an eye out for you and to check in on how you’re doing
Create your own experiences and happiness. Be indulgent. Pamper yourself
Planning – what do you want to do this Christmas?
Write down what is really important to you
Prioritise and tackle things one at a time
Leave space for the unexpected
Be mindful of how your routine is about to change
Plan ahead and have some nice things booked in that you’d like to do outside of family gatherings
If Christmas with your family can be tough then plan something to look forward to with your ‘chosen family’ (friends, neighbours etc.) for afterwards
**Need support?**
If you're in distress this Christmas and want someone to talk to, please call Samaritans on 116 123 - their phone lines are open all day every day over the festive period and they're free.
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