Photo by Lisa from Pexels
It’s that time of year again, the Christmas songs are on the radio, the lights are on the high street, and the festive adverts are in full force. Christmas is just around the corner.
Amongst the many positives that come with it, the festive season can be a stressful time for those struggling with mental health. If this affects the young person in your family, the pressure to have a perfect time and expectations of making things “magical” may feel overwhelming.
It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect Christmas or a perfect family. Allowing ourselves to celebrate in a way that works for our own family can help take the pressure off.
Sleep & Routine
Sleep has a huge impact on our mental health. Over the holidays our routines can get disrupted. We may go to bed later and lie in longer. This can all influence our sleep quality which can then impact our anxiety levels.
As much as possible, try to stick to usual bedtimes and wake up times, avoiding screens in the evening. Creating a bedtime ritual can also be useful. This could involve reading, listening to music, having a warm bath or listening to guided mediation. Some people find journalling or writing down worries/to do list before bed helpful for calming the mind before sleep.
Boundaries & Traditions
We often feel that we cannot say no at Christmas time, then become overwhelmed and exhausted. It’s ok to do what suits your family. Planning calm days with no expectations can help balance out those days when things may be busier. Do things that make sure home feels as safe and stress free as possible.
We can also feel as if we need to stick to certain traditions to keep others happy. If you normally invite everyone to yours for a big Christmas dinner, you may feel you have to do this every time as it is “expected”. However, it’s ok to put your family’s needs first and create new traditions, there’s not only one way to enjoy Christmas.
Photo by Elina Volkova
Stay active & get outside
Being active and out in nature has such a positive effect on our mood but can be harder to fit in during busy times. Daylight boosts levels of serotonin which calms and boost our wellbeing. It also regulates our circadian rhythm which improves sleep quality & duration. You don’t need to go on long walks or have big days out, even short walks of 10-15 minutes or a kickaround in the garden can be beneficial.
If you can’t get outside, any activity that raises the heart rate can release endorphins, reduce stress and improve mental resilience. So even a sports game or a dance off on a games console can be a good way of getting active at home!
Be kind to yourself
Perhaps the most important one. We all deserve kindness, especially during challenging times. Self-compassion can go a long way in helping to make this time of year as calm as possible. Things may not go to plan; you may have difficult times or emotions and that’s ok. Christmas, as in life, is full of ups and downs and does not need to be perfect.
Being together more than usual can increase family tensions. There may be times when you need some a break from each other. Accepting this and planning for it can be really helpful.
Christmas can be both a wonderful and difficult time for many. Treating yourself and others with patience, understanding and compassion can be the best gift of all at this time of year.
