Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for millions of people. However the festive period brings with it many pressures, from feeling obliged to socialise more than usual, heightened feelings of loneliness, overloaded to-do lists, and multiple temptations to overindulge in food and alcohol and worries about how to pay for everything afterward. We also have a new Covid variant to contend with. If Christmas is a stressful time for you then finding strategies to reduce this can be very useful.
Our Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Xanthe has written some tips that can help you look after your mental wellbeing and manage anxieties over the next few weeks.
Manage expectations
Don’t dwell on creating the perfect Christmas and get too focussed on comparing your celebrations with others. Just take each day as it comes. Social media adds to this pressure as it’s easy to portray the perfect family scenarios in one glossy well staged photo, but the reality behind it is probably very different. Try not to compare yourself to others.
Try something different
If the prospect of the usual routine fills you dread, try something different. Have dinner at a restaurant on Christmas Day. Spend Boxing Day at the cinema or a day in the countryside walking, or maybe get your family to agree to donate the money to a charity instead of exchanging presents.
Lean on those you trust
If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, having a network of close friends and family to turn to when things get tricky is invaluable. Stay in touch with your network to keep yourself centred.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
It really isn’t worth overloading yourself just to live up to those Christmas traditions. Decorating the front garden to rival Kew Gardens, or having the table set up for a great banquet that would make Henry VIII proud, doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. It’s about quality time spent with loved ones.
Try to Avoid Stress Triggers
If seeing a particular relative stresses you out, skip their New Year’s party and just stop by for a quick hello on New Year’s Day. If the thought of catering for the family on Boxing Day is too much, delegate and ask people to bring individual dishes. Also have a rota and make sure that everyone gets involved in the preparation and clearing up. This stops resentments building up.
Don’t Worry about things beyond your control.
Perhaps you have family members that argue every year which you dread, but what can you do? You can’t control them; however you can control your own reaction to the situation.
Ways to remember those no longer with us
Christmas can be a poignant reminder of those who we have lost. Try to celebrate their memory and share an anecdote or two and raise a toast.
Stick to a budget
That dreaded post-Christmas credit card bill is something that no one looks forward to, so try to ameliorate this. Draw up a budget before you start your shopping and stick to it.
Keep to your exercise routines
Not easy with so much going on in the diary, but you can say no to events and try and ensure that you stick to your exercise routines as much as possible. You won’t regret it. You don’t have to spend hours on the treadmill, a quick 20-minute HITT session will do the trick, or a gentle stretch which can help manage your mood and make you feel calmer. When you’re shopping take a few extra laps around the shopping centre or take your Christmas cards to the post office on foot instead of driving.
Eat sensibly
As a Health Coach I would say that, but faced with a dozen festive parties and family gatherings between now and New Year, it’s hard to stay committed to a sensible diet. But try, it will keep you feeling better – both physically and emotionally and you will be so glad you did, come 1st January. If you do over-indulge on mince pies make a point of having a super healthy following day.
Don’t overdo the Drinking sessions
The festive season goes hand in hand with heavy drinking. But try to stay within the recommended government limits of 14 units a week (1.5 bottles of wine, 6 pints or 9 measures of sprits). There are some fantastic alcohol-free beers, 0.0% gins or botanicals around, making it easier to have options and taking a couple of days off alcohol a week is recommended. Remember that alcohol is a depressant and drinking to excess will always have a negative effect. Is it worth a few hours of over-indulgence to then feel wretched for the next two days? That’s not to say the odd tipple is a bad thing but try to drink mindfully.
Enjoy the Daylight
As the days get shorter many people find their mood gets gloomier. Try to get out in for a walk in the daytime the day to take in as much light as possible. Remember that as of the 21st December the days will start to pull out, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Having the time off work and away from normal routines can result in people dwelling on themselves, their perceived imperfections and mistakes made in the past. However, by reframing this and focussing on the positives and how well you have coped with adversity can make things seem a lot better.
How to spot the signs and symptoms of stress
Physical symptoms
- Regular headaches
- Unexplained nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Muscular aches and pains
- Dizziness, palpitations, and sudden visual changes
- Hypersensitivity to noise
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Loss of libido
Psychological symptoms
- Impatience
- Anger
- Excessive worrying
- Loss of confidence
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
Behavioural changes
- Procrastination
- Indecisiveness
- Heightened aggression
- Tearfulness
- Loss of capacity to cope
- Loss of resilience
- Increased sensitivity
- Inability to perform at work
- Social withdrawal including withdrawal from family and friends
- Relationship problems
The best think you can do is be prepared. Armed with a toolbox of techniques you will give yourself the greatest chance of getting through this festive period feeling refreshed and come out stronger and in better shape to face whatever 2022 brings.
If you are suffering from Christmas stress, anxiety or depression help is always available. In a crisis call NHS 999 or 111, go to A&E, call Samaritans 116123 or text SHOUT 85258.
Thanks to our Health and Wellbeing sponsor Lester Aldridge for supporting this initiative.
Xanthe Grace – Dorset Chamber, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator