CHRISTMAS SELF-CARE
Practice self care this Christmas! The Holiday season can be a very stressful time, especially after the ups and downs of 2022 and especially if someone in your family lives with mental illness. So, we have put together our top tips for taking the stress out of Christmas.
Make sure you fill your cup!
As Christmas approaches, many of us feel stressed by all the things we think we ‘have to do’, but it’s just as important to incorporate self-care during these busy times – because you can’t pour from an empty cup. Some handy tips:
- It’s ok to say no and only participate in activities that are significant to you
- Attend a meditation class or download a free relaxation app
- Make a Christmas budget and stick to it
- Listen to calming music or watch your favourite movie
- Go to bed early and get a full 8-hours sleep (every night!)
- Eat and drink in moderation and plan healthy meals for when you’re not celebrating
- Don’t forget to move! Walk, run, swim, cycle, roller-skate, dance – aim to be active for 30 minutes everyday
- Find gratitude for small and simple things
- Acknowledge that the festive season isn’t a happy time for everyone – Christmas might be an upsetting or difficult time for yourself or someone close to you, and that’s okay
- Visit the HelpingMinds® website and find a support group
Self-care is not selfish! Make it a priority this Christmas.
Start a new tradition.
Often, we get stuck doing the same thing over and over again. If Christmas in its current form is a stressful event for you, mix it up and start a new tradition.
Try a family outing, such as a trip to the beach or a bushwalk. Get out of the house and enjoy a relaxed picnic or BBQ outdoors. Perhaps you could do something crafty together or make music. Is there a local event you could attend or somewhere you could volunteer? Think outside the box and see if this year you can start a new tradition that brings you joy.
Make a safety plan.
If you are supporting a family member or a friend with mental health challenges or mental ill-health, you may have previously had unpleasant experiences during the Christmas period or may be worried if your loved one will be okay during this time. Having a safety plan in place can bring ease of mind and can make you feel confident about what to do if things aren’t going as smoothly as you had hoped.
Sit down and write out the possible scenarios and what you would do in response. What is your plan B if something unexpected happens? Who will you call? Check what services are open over Christmas and make sure you have another option if your go-to service is closed. Ensure you have medication and other necessities. Plan for various scenarios to ensure you won’t feel alone or unprepared.
Write it down.
When we are busy, stressed, overwhelmed or feeling down, our mind is full of thoughts, feelings and experiences. Get your notebook out in the lead up to Christmas, and just write. Write down everything you think and feel or everything you ‘have to’ do and worry about. Don’t write it for anyone to read. Just write to get it out of your head and onto the paper.
This simple practice can help you in the lead up to Christmas. With a clear head, it’s much easier to decide what is a priority and what needs to be done.
Practise self-compassion as part of your self care this Christmas season
COVID-19 has demanded a flexible approach from all of us this year, as nothing went as planned. This may have affected your Christmas plans. You may not be able to spend it with some (or all) of your loved ones, or, you may not have been able to travel to your preferred destination.
It’s normal to feel upset or disappointed when things don’t go to plan. Acknowledge if this year has been a difficult one for you. It can be helpful to remind yourself of the things that have gone well, particularly when times are difficult. What are some things that you are grateful for this year? Is there anything you have accomplished or learned?
If you are socially distancing or away from loved ones, this doesn’t mean you can’t connect at Christmas. A phone call or a good old-fashioned Christmas card are good ways to keep in touch with people you care about.
If you need to talk to someone during the Christmas period, we recommend you call a confidential 24/7 helpline. There will be people with a listening ear who can help you cope if you feel overwhelmed.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
You are unique – your story is unique – your personality is unique – your family is unique. Don’t compare yourself to others and the Christmas they are having or showing on social media. Family situations can be complicated, especially when someone in your family is living with mental health challenges or you are struggling yourself. Accept YOU as you are. Accept your family as they are. Set boundaries and take action towards creating the Christmas you would like to have by communicating this to the people around you. Then, let it go and take Christmas as it comes. Without expectations. Without judgement. With acceptance.
What matters most?
With Christmas just around the corner, have a think about what matters most to you.
Although Christmas means different things to different people, for most people it’s an opportunity to connect with their family and friends or to take a break. It can be a time to be together, to relax and celebrate what matters to you. It may also be a time to honour your religion and faith.
Have a think about what it means to you and what your intention is this year and keep that in mind during the Christmas festivities. It will also help you to stay centred if things don’t go to plan.
If you need to talk to someone during the Christmas period, we recommend you call a confidential 24/7 helpline. There will be people with a listening ear who can help you cope if you feel overwhelmed.