5 Tips to help you get through the festive season and stay well

Managing your mental health during Christmas.

Whether or not Christmas is part of your life, your mental health might be affected by it happening around you. It is often a time when we feel more pressure, and our mental health can be challenged. You might feel lonely because everyone around seems to be happy. You might feel low listening to other people’s exciting plans and comparing yourself to them. Or perhaps Christmas is a painful reminder of those who cannot be with you during that time.

Celebrating New Year may also feel like a hard time. Looking back might bring difficult memories, and looking ahead can make you feel anxious.

What can you do to get through the festive season and stay well?

If Christmas is a hard time for you, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Some things might help, such as:

Tip 1: Talk to a friend or a family member about how you’re feeling.

Quite often, a problem shared is a problem halved. Don’t forget there are professional services available that offer a confidential space to talk about what is on your mind.

Tip 2: Keep your alcohol consumption in check. 

While it can make you feel better in the short-term, you might experience low mood and depression in the long-term.

Tip 3: Practice gratefulness. 

Make a conscious decision to spend a couple of minutes every day to name people, things, and situations you’re grateful for. You might be surprised by what you find.

Making this your daily routine might take effort, but it will be worth it. Some people start a gratitude journal that helps them track all positives in their lives. They can return to it anytime when they feel particularly overwhelmed or negative.

Tip 4: Connect with people that leave you energised. 

Name one or two people you enjoy spending time with and arrange a meeting.

Tip 5: Exercise. 

Be it a brisk walk-in nature, a run, a cycle, or going to the gym, physical exercise will directly impact your mood.

Most importantly, remember that we’re all different. What works for one person might not work for another. Pay attention to the things that trigger you and find your way to navigate through the festive season.

If you would like to get a free consultation with Dr Bogdan Wawrzaszek please email him at info@citytherapy.ie

http:///team/dr-bogdan-wawrzaszek/

Dr Wawrzaszek offers psychotherapy in English and Polish.

Phone: 086 3788002