Amongst the cheer, tinsel, puddings, roast turkey, and shiny baubles lurks the clawed hand of possible Christmas family arguments, the remembrance of sad distant memories and the possibility of experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. These topics are not on the top of anyone's list at this celebratory time of year.
Many people feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the season and all it entails. Buying presents, preparing meals and socializing, can have a negative effect on our mental well-being if not tackled in moderation. According to Judith Woods, who writes for the Telegraph, our frustrations are generally because each one of us wants to experience our own perceived version of what a perfect Christmas should look like.
Sounds like a good thing to aim for, right? However, due to our own individual take on what a perfect Christmas is it can never completely match another person’s expectations. Not recognizing this fact, can lead to ourselves and others displaying a range of negative emotions. Ranging from frustrations to outright anger.
My idea of a good Christmas is to meet up with friends for a meal in the City Centre a few days before the big day. Go to mass on Christmas Eve as well as open presents at midnight with my husband and children. Then on Christmas Day spend the rest of my time with my extended family either at my house or at a siblings’. Sounds cosy and great to me. The perfect Christmas. But to someone else my traditional day is a real turn off.
I know of a young woman who enjoys the day pampering herself by eating a selection of her favourite foods and watching much loved movies. And, woe betide the person who knocks on her front door Christmas Day or dares to contact her in any way. Her version of a perfect Christmas would leave me feeling unloved, isolated and neglected but to her, being alone was her version of a perfect Christmas day.
We all have to find what is right for us at Christmas. We need to ask ourselves some very important questions. Like, do we really need to spend so much time staying up late and watching television only to feel tired and irritable the next day.? Do we have to have that one more drink that feels great at the time but it's good feeling effects wear off quickly and leaves us with a pounding unforgivable headache? Do we need to spend hours in front of the TV, whilst eating sugary delicacies that we know is bad for us?
Living a healthy life that looks after our physical and Mental Health is important all year round for our overall general well-being. Taking care of ourselves covers us with an extra safety blanket that helps to moderate our choices during this busy season. If we are intentional about alternative ways of enjoying this time of year we could be on the verge of enjoying a healthy holiday season by taking a few precautions to focus on maintaining good mental and physical health.
In a government article written a few years back the writer suggests 9 recommendations that we need to consider to help us have good mental health at this time of year.
1. Talk about your feelings
Don't pretend you are feeling better than you are by putting on an act that all is well. It may be a fun part of the year but lying to yourself about how you are feeling is not doing you or anyone else any good. Talk to someone.
2. Eat Well
Remember that too much sugary foods has an impact on your mental health. Don't cut off sugar completely after all it is a celebration, but try to eat it in moderation.
3. Keep in touch
Try to keep in touch with people you know who are able to support you should you need it. i.e. family and friends, support workers or neighbours. This is always a good fall back if something does go wrong.
4. Take a break
The practice of mindfulness has proven to be an excellent way of switching off the busyness around our daily lives. Stick to it during this busy season you'll need it. There are several free apps that are available you can download on your phone.
5. Accept who you are
Remember that Christmas is a season of many choices. Make practical decisions about the types of foods you eat and friends and family you spend the time with. Do what you know you can handle and no more. Everyone has different levels of energy. Keep in mind what your levels are. Don't overdo it! Listen to what your body is saying to you. If you're tired, rest!
6. Drink sensibly
It's very easy to be carried away by the amount of socialising that goes on at this time of year. But remember the good effects are only temporary. Know your limits.
7. Ask for help
During the season some days can become overwhelming due to busyness. If you are finding things difficult ask for help and also make sure you have a plan naming who you would ask should you need to.
8. Do something you're good at
Recognize what you are good at and do it. Painting pictures, making crafts are possible activities that contribute to your wellbeing all year round.
9. Caring for others
This is a time when visiting friends is a usual part of the festive season, as we contact people we probably haven't seen the rest of the year. Caring and spending time with others is an important part of the holidays. So, enjoy!
At the time of writing this short blog it is the beginning of December. There has been a lot of discussion about Covid-19 and the new variant Omicron viruses. At present the government guidelines are open to people mixing and socializing during the Christmas period.
If this will be the final decision by government officials during this period the charity Mind has some poignant advice that we can all heed. In their online article entitled Christmas and Mental Health they highlight the topic of why Christmas can be particularly hard for some during the Pandemic. They give 5 areas to consider whilst living in these uncertain times.
The first is the uncertainty of the final guidelines which can cause some anxiety as this leaves many unsure of what their final plans on the day will be. In conjunction there is an invisible pressure that surrounds the festive season encouraging us all to join in the celebrations. People may make you feel that you have to be involved in what the plan is but as stated before ensure that you put your needs first Also, another concern for some is the fact that they may have health conditions that may make them vulnerable around others. Really think this one through and again do what's best for you. To read the rest of this article by Mind please refer to the link posted here mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/Christmas-and-mental-health/why-Christmas-is-hard/
Overall, the art of being intentional by deciding ahead of time what you are open to and capable of engaging in during this festive season can help to ensure that the holiday you spend is both mentally and physically healthy.
Have a happy and safe holiday season everyone and a start to a New Year. that is perfect for you.
Article Written by Alberta Gibbs
05th December 2021
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