The most wonderful time of the year?
December 22, 2022Posted by:
“Tis the season: 3 in 10 Brits say their mental health nosedives over Christmas” according to mentalhealth-uk.org. It goes on to say that “financial worries, entertaining guests and keeping everyone happy as key factors in peoples’ mental health worsening over the festive period."
This is how Wellbeing Wednesday - a PeoplePlus staff update - began on the 21st of December, the shortest day of the year.
Fast forward to the 28th, and the focus expands to include the pressures of New Year hot on the heels of high Christmas expectations and the 'Twixmas' slump. All in all, the last few weeks of the year seem to offer the perfect range of circumstances for low mood, high anxiety and exhaustion if we don't take time for self-care.
These Wellbeing Wednesday pieces are thoughtfully written by the experts behind the YouCan programme - read about them here - Meet the YouCan team
During the run up to Christmas we were bombarded with what ‘Christmas should look like’, which play on the belief that everyone wants the ‘perfect Christmas’. We see so many TV commercials, Christmas films and hear many Christmas songs - Everyone is happy and there’s lots of laughter and joy being spread. People dressed in their best, eating lots of food, looking cosy and warm in their homes - images and messages which seem to abruptly stop as soon as the shops close for the big day itself. From then on its glossy holidays. furniture sales (more demands on the wallet) and summoning the willpower to set resolutions.
However Christmas Day went, it was just one day and however the New Year begins, it doesn't have to end that way.
The YouCan team urge us to remember that everyone’s circumstances are different, and a ‘problem or hardship’ does not go away just because it’s been Christmas time. Because of the additional pressures of making Christmas so great, many people find it hard to make the ‘perfect’ Christmas’, which can cause anxiety, stress and even depression.
- Everyone’s idea of ‘perfect’ is different – go with the flow.
- Be flexible and take the pressure off yourself, ask for help, it’s a strength not a weakness, and actually others will enjoy helping out too.
- Make humour part of your day – if things don’t go to plan, try and laugh about it. Always makes for a great conversation for the future!
- If Christmas lunch doesn’t turn out as planned, it doesn’t matter. You’re all in this together. Makes for great photos and reminiscing at a later date.
- Be kind to yourself, be you, because you are amazing.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Make yourself a goal to allow time for yourself, whether it be 20 minutes a day or if you can stretch it to an hour – spoil yourself. Time spent alone creates space for you to come up with your own perspectives and ideas and how you think about your feelings, ideas, hopes, problems and all your experiences. If you’re being extra generous, throw in some self-care techniques such as taking a walk, meditating, reading a book or anything else you enjoy.
Studies have shown, taking time for yourself could:
- Make you sleep better
- Be more creative
- Improve relationships
- Boost concentration
So, whilst that isn’t an exhaustive list, why wouldn’t you want to try it?
Reduce the stress:
- Be open about your feelings.
- Take some exercise to support your wellbeing.
- Aim for uninterrupted sleep.
- Eat in moderation and reduce alcohol and rich foods.
- Keep hydrated.
- Take some time out for yourself
Remember, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with the festive season, the chances are others are feeling this way too. Talk about how you’re feeling, reduce the pressure on yourself and remember that you are not alone.
Services to support:
Useful contacts - Christmas and mental health - Mind
Where to get urgent help for mental health - NHS
Helplines and crisis contacts | Centre for Mental Health
Get help with the cost of living - Citizens Advice
StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.
December 22, 2022Posted by:
