Christmas can be a time of enjoyment, relaxation, and being together with families. But it can also bring stresses, and for many people it is a challenging or even lonely time of year.
The impact of Covid-19 this year will again make the festive period especially difficult as some islanders will not be able to celebrate with loved ones.
Mental health doesn’t take time off at Christmas, and with all the added stresses that can come with the festive season it’s very important to care for your wellbeing.
Guernsey’s Health and Social Care, health and wellbeing professionals have put together some tips help you over the Christmas period – whether that is about not overindulging too much; coping with a bit too much time around family; feeling left out; or many other potential stresses.
Plan ahead
Avoid unnecessary stress over the festive season by planning as much as possible in the run up to Christmas and being careful not to take on too much. You’re not being selfish by saying “no” to some things or asking for some help. For example, if you’re hosting Christmas dinner, could you ask some of your guests to bring a starter or dessert?
Make time for you
At Christmas it can be all too easy to get swept up into other people’s ideas of fun. It’s important to make sure that you do something you want as well – this is your celebration too! If you know this will be hard, try booking something in advance or setting a free day or two aside just for you.
Avoid comparisons
If you do decide to use social media over the festive season, avoid comparing your experience to those of your friends. Remember that most people only share the best bits of their lives online and you don’t know what’s going on behind the smiling selfies and present pics!
Pace yourself
Give yourself time to relax over the Christmas period – don’t be afraid to take time out to go for a walk, listen to music or have a nap if you need it. If you’re hosting, try to plan this in advance.
Get outside
Going for a wintery walk – even if it’s just around the block – can be the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise along with a change of place. Being in the same house for too long can get a bit intense, so a change of scenery will do everyone good!
Try to eat healthily
While it’s normal to overindulge a bit over Christmas, try to keep your diet as balanced as possible with lots of fruit and vegetables. This will help you to avoid energy lows that can have an effect on your mood.
Alcohol in moderation
While a bit of alcohol can make you feel relaxed, don’t forget that drinking too much can leave you feeling irritable and low. Drinking within the recommended guidelines means you’ll get to enjoy a Christmas tipple, while reducing the negative effects on your mood.
Alcohol can also play a big part in arguments and disagreements, so it’s sensible to drink in moderation.
Get enough sleep
Feeling sleepy can also leave you feeling low, so try to keep to regular sleep patterns as much as possible over the Christmas period.
Talk to someone
If you’re worried about Christmas or feel overwhelmed or under pressure, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it. Have a chat to someone you trust.
Keep active
Exercise can be great for mental health and there are still ways to keep it up over Christmas!
Have a boogie to some festive classics or head outside for a walk in the fresh air.
Christmas alone
If you’re spending Christmas alone, have a think about what you want to do beforehand. You may decide to curl up with a favourite movie or arrange to go to a lunch.
Volunteer
It’s no secret – giving something back can help you feel good about yourself and there’s no more perfect time to volunteer than around Christmas.
There are also lots of resources you can use to keep you well during your time at home.
Here are some suggestions:
- Try not to be glued to the news
- Think about how you can adapt your daily routine and set new goals
- Borrow an e-book from the Guille-Allès Library’s online selection
- Learn how to meditate
- Listen to a new podcast such as “Feel better, live more” with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, ‘Happy place’ with Fearne Cotton, Bryony Gordon’s ‘Mad world’ or perhaps the TED Radio Hour Podcast
- Experiment in the kitchen with some new recipes
- Challenge yourself with a sudoku
- Pick up an instrument or new craft to help focus your mind and pass the time
- Try a free online course from Future Learn
