Ah, Christmas. It’s the time for giving, the time for happiness and joy, and the time to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?
Well, unfortunately Christmas doesn’t always play out the same way for everybody. Christmas can actually give people a reason to worry and become stressed. It can put pressure on people both financially and emotionally. Everyone is so, so determined to be happy and to have a good time every day in December, but what if this isn’t a realistic prospect for you?
The pressure to revel in Christmas spirit can be overwhelming, and it can be incredibly difficult to look after yourself at this time of year – but you must, must, MUST make it a priority. If you find the festive period more stressful than magical, then here are our tips that’ll help you to look after your mental health this holiday season.
Don’t Allow Pressure to Force You to Overspend
It doesn’t matter whether you can afford to be tirelessly searching for front row Hamilton San Francisco tickets for sale or if your budget is making a box of celebrations look more likely this year. It’s possible for everybody to overspend regardless of income, and it’s so easy to do that this time of year.
The pressure to spend more is everywhere you look. Every time you switch on the TV there are marketing adverts selling you the “perfect” Christmas, and every high street store and supermarket are FULL of offers that you just “can’t refuse”.
In a news article, millions of adults around the United Kingdom admitted that they’re likely to be in debt or financial trouble – or fall short at the very least – come January because of overspending at Christmas. The sheer amount of people who will put themselves into debt just to buy festive goods is unbelievable, so don’t let this be you.
It IS possible to spend sensibly at Christmas. Money is top of peoples’ worry lists at the best of times, and no more so than in December.
The last thing you want to do is inflict more unnecessary stress onto yourself by adding money worries onto the list of things that are making you anxious this festive season. Be sensible with your spending, and you’ll feel better for it now and have a more peaceful time come January. Trust us.
Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings
If you’re feeling down, sad or anxious, one of the first pieces of advice a professional will give to you is to talk about the way you’re feeling. So why is that so difficult in December?
To answer that question, it can be difficult to talk about your feelings full stop – particularly if you don’t fully understand them yourself. That difficulty is only amplified by the constant feeling that you NEED to be happy at Christmas, or that you at the very least SHOULD be enjoying yourself.
Don’t let this stop you from being honest. Whether you’re close with your family or have a friend you like to speak to about these things – never shy away from talking about it. The people who love you will never judge you or feel dismayed that you’re struggling even when it’s Christmas. They’re there to love and support you all year long, so don’t hide away. Be open, be honest, and talk to someone.
Sometimes a problem shared, is a problem halved.
Put it in Perspective
Christmas is hyped up by everyone, that’s a given. But take a minute to sit back, take a breath and put it in perspective. It’s just another day.
That’s right – Christmas, the 25th of December – is literally just another normal day in the calendar year. Sure, the routine is different, and we all partake in tradition, but other than that it’s the same as the 25th of any other month. Remember this, and be easy on yourself if you’re not feeling joyous. Take it as it comes, a day at a time, and think of it as just another day.
Eat Well
Finally, remember to eat well.
Sure, have chocolate, Christmas cake, and go overboard on the dinner – but do eat properly too. Keeping your body properly fuelled is more important than people realise when it comes to helping your mental wellbeing. The gut has been intrinsically proven to be connected to the brain, so be mindful of what you’re putting into it this holiday season. It’ll go a long way in helping you through.