Christmas can be a tricky time for mental health. With all the jollity and bonhomie flying about, it’s easy to feel pressured into joining in with the ho-ho-ho-ing because we feel we ought. Yet sometimes, that cheerful exterior can mask how we really feel.
This festive season, it’s important to be honest with ourselves. Christmas is a time for reflection, so take a moment to examine your own feelings. If you’re feeling good and balanced, that’s wonderful. But if you’re feeling a little low, for whatever reason, it’s a good idea to have a chat with someone you trust.
Our wellbeing can also take a hit from indulgences unique to this time of year. Christmas menus, extra alcohol, and of course all that sugar can leave us feeling sluggish and a bit blurry around the edges. Disrupted sleeping patterns from late nights and the whirlwind of Christmas parties can also throw us off balance.
Watch out for signs that you might be veering off track: fatigue, irritability, low mood, difficulty sleeping, overindulging in food or drink, or withdrawing from social interaction.
To boost your wellness through the merry, jolly yuletide festivities, try these simple tricks: stay hydrated, pace your indulgences, get some fresh air, keep a regular sleep routine where possible, check in with loved ones, and carve out quiet moments for yourself.
Remember, however your Christmas goes down, make sure you don’t go down with it. Check in with yourself and your feelings, look after your mental health, and allow yourself to enjoy the season in a way that truly works for you.