Whilst many people enjoy Christmas, know it as a time to relax, see friends and family and eat copious amounts of food, it is not the same for everyone. Christmas can be overwhelming for some, and for others it’s the time of year that they dread.
It is important to remember that not everyone celebrates or enjoys Christmas. Some people don’t have a nice, big, happy family, or lots of friends to visit and spend time with. For many of these people Christmas is a trigger for painful memories of lost loved ones, and is a time when they feel most lonely and find difficult.
What can we do to support those people and ourselves over the Christmas period?
Self-compassion
It’s ok to take time out. Christmas can be draining and exhausting, especially with so much going on. Plan in time to rest and recharge. Be conscious that other people also have this need – allow them the time they want to themselves too.
Remind yourself that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed or stressed or to not be excited or happy. Just because the people around you are, doesn’t mean you have to be too. Everyone is different and has had their own unique experiences.
Focus on your own self-care
Keep up your routines. At Christmas it can sometimes be easy to stop your routines and schedules, but it is important that you stick to them. We know that routines are good for people’s mental health anyway but often our routines include our self-care practices that also protect our mental health.
Set aside time for you. Ensure you are still taking time to enjoy things; hobbies, interests and new ventures. This is important throughout the year but at Christmas there can be added pressure for people to surrender to the demands or desires of those around them.
Remember to do what works for you. Different things work for different people. If you already know what has helped you and your mental health at Christmas in the past then do more of that.
On a similar note, steer clear of things that you know aren’t so good for you and your mental health. We know that nutrition and alcohol can have a big impact, and try not to feel pressured to drink more than you would like, or know might bring on some anxiety or low mood. Equally, keep up your healthy diet as much as possible. Eat and drink in moderation.
Below are some free resources that can help you look after your mental health this Christmas