Coping during the Festive season
The Christmas season seems to start earlier every year with the ongoing expectation that it should be a time of joy and happiness along with all the trappings that go with the occasion.
Not
everyone is able to live up to these expectations and it can put pressure on
your wellbeing, particularly as we are now uncertain about the coming weeks and
the new covid variant. It can be a time
of great sadness, anxiety and stress for many people and can be overwhelming if
you are already struggling daily.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be magnified at this time –
financial pressures and family conflict can often be the reality.
Tips for
dealing with the Christmas period
Money
concerns
This time
of the year can be very expensive and if you do have money worries, set a budget,
and stick to it and plan ways to reduce spending. Find some low-cost ways of having fun.
Family
tensions
You may not
get along with family members and Christmas is unlikely to rectify this. Don’t be misled by social media posts
depicting the perfect family get-togethers.
Set realistic expectations, plan how you will manage any conflict or
anxiety. Think about Christmas as a day
for the children if you have them and put aside family spats. Keep an eye on what you drink – it may be
tempting but drinking too much will contribute to stress and anxiety. Avoid triggers and take a break if things
become heated.
Loneliness
Connect
with friends and family – online or by phone just to check-in. You could volunteer at a local charity and
make a positive contribution to others.
Plan in advance of Christmas day to avoid feeling depressed.
Remember to
stay healthy in the run-up to Christmas – eat well, exercise and get as much
restful sleep as possible. If you don’t
have a family get-together to attend, just relax and enjoy the peace and
quiet!