The Christmas season can sometimes leave us feeling stressed, under pressure, and low in mood, no matter how hard we want to stay positive. It’s also so easy to get caught up in the process of getting everything organised and making wonderful memories for everyone else. Some of us end up forgetting about ourselves, and this can take a toll on our mental health. Looking after your mental health over the Christmas season is so important, and these tips can help you.
Make a Plan
Making a plan and writing it down can really help you in the run up to Christmas. If you feel organised, you’re less likely to panic. Write down the things that you need to do on a week-by-week basis. You’ll also need to be sure that you don’t plan too much in any one week. Remember that it’s OK to say no if it’s going to put you under pressure.
Plan Time for Self-Care
Self-care is so important. It can become even more important during the festive season when you’re focussed on everyone else and the busyness, so make sure you plan some alone time for yourself. It doesn’t matter what form of self-care you enjoy; you need to make sure that you take the time for it. Try to take twenty minutes for yourself to relax and focus on your own needs.
Sleep
Sleep is essential to feeling better both physically and mentally. Stick to your bedtime routine as much as you can. Doing this will help you get a higher quality sleep and feel better in the morning when you get up, which can make coping with the busy season less daunting.
Music
There are many studies that show that music releases dopamine, which is one of the chemicals in our brains that make us feel good. Put together a special playlist for the holidays, include all the holiday songs you love, and leave off the ones you don’t like. Put this on when you need a pick me up!
Keep Social Media in Moderation
Keep your social media use in moderation. It’s easy to start comparing yourself and your family to the picture-perfect moments you see on social media. It’s important to remember that what’s posted on social media isn’t always the reality, and so these comparisons are also not real. Focus on yourself, and your family and how you want to enjoy the season, not how social media makes you feel you should.
Family and Friends
Spending time with your family and friends can be a fun, special thing to do over the holidays. This can help to make you feel good. Make plans with them, but don’t put yourself under pressure to host a large event or give yourself too much work. It’s perfectly fine to meet up for a coffee, or in a restaurant. Do whatever feels best for you and your family.
Exercise
Exercising can be a huge mood booster. Taking even a short walk outside can make you feel better. You can use it to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and use it for a little alone time as well.
Practice Mindfulness
Practising mindfulness can help you cope with the stress of Christmas. Take a few moments to focus on the present and reconnect with yourself. You can use apps to help you or, maybe try some breathing exercises.
Volunteer
Volunteering can help you manage your own Christmas stress. You’ll need to be sure that you don’t plan too much for yourself, but even spending an hour volunteering with a local charity can have a massive positive impact. Helping other people out makes you feel fantastic, accomplished, and happier.
