6 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health During the Festive Period
By: Sofia Lascombes
The festive season is here and the last month of the year has started! It is the time to be grateful and kind, to enjoy time with friends, family and the people we love. It’s also the time to relax, recharge and reset - a chance to take time for ourselves and rest.
We love December and we know it can be wonderful time, but it can also be a very busy or sometimes overwhelming month, or for some, a very lonely time.
We’ve put together some tips to have in your toolbox to boost your mental health during the festive period.
Show gratitude
Take a bit of time during the day to stop, look around you, think about everything that has happened during the year and try to be grateful. Say thank you to yourself, to your family and friends, to all the people that are part of your life.
Spend time in nature
Nature is a great way to connect with yourself, to be at peace, to change the energy and to observe. Take a moment to stop, breathe and enjoy the astonishing beauty and wisdom of your surroundings.
Practice kindness (to others and yourself)
Tis the season to spread kindness! Treat yourself and others with kindness, support and patience - we have all been through different experiences during the year and - guess what - we made it!
Recognise that Christmas can be hard, and not always full of cheer
Many of us will feel a bit down, tired or sad during December, and that’s okay. This is the time to share. Share your feelings, frustrations and hopes. Everything, when shared, becomes lighter. If you’re concerned about someone you know, a simple text can make the world of difference. And don’t be afraid to reach out for extra support for yourself if you need it.
Take time for self-care
Take care of your mind, your body and your energy. Dedicate time to meditate, to rest, to treat yourself doing things you like, and to spend time on your own. Couldn’t we all do with a breather?
Have fun and celebrate!
2021 is almost over. No matter what this year has meant to you, we are sure there are many reasons to celebrate. Even the smallest of all achievements and the simplest things in life deserve a toast! If you’ve got some time off over the holiday period, plan fun things to do, discover new places, meet new people and enjoy yourself.
With all these tools in mind, we hope you have an amazing end of 2021!
Stay safe and connected this festive season.
Please note: festive stress, depression and anxiety is real. If this article has raised issues for you and you need support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14, to talk things through.