HOW MANAGE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AT CHRISTMAS TIME

TIP 1: REPHRASE THE WORD “NO”

I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us hate saying the word “no” despite how necessary it can be in certain situations and when we REALLY need it.

Taking everything on and agreeing to everything because you’re afraid to tell people no can put a huge strain on your mental health. Especially at Christmas when your schedule might already be rather full, and the task you have taken on maybe almost impossible given the situation you are already in.

It’s perfectly fine to turn some invitations or plans down or to want some downtime for yourself over the holiday season’s period.

Try practising a different approach to saying no. Instead of “No”, say “I’d really love to come or do that, but I already have plans this evening, sorry.”, or “Thank you for thinking of me to do that, I love that I’m the first person you think of but unfortunately I’m so busy over Christmas I wouldn’t be able to do that in time.”, or even “Thank you for your offer, but I can’t attend due to…” There is always room to put yourself first, so do it!

2 – TAKE A QUICK BREAK

Take a quick bathroom break from the social madness at Christmas, and just relax and breathe a little.

It’s not technically avoiding the situation, it’s just taking a quick break so that you can stay in the situation longer without getting overwhelmed by all the chaos.

I like to take a break, breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes. Then I pull my shoulders back, take another deep breath and walk back into the situation confident and as calmly as I can. There. All better:)

3 – MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Think of some possible scenarios that might make your mental health worse over the Christmas period and write down several solutions or outcomes.

If you’re worried, then call a friend, talk to them about it, it’ll surely help.

I find it’s always easier to face a problem once it’s written down and you’ve had time to think about it, rather than just go head first at it.

4 – DON’T TAKE ON TOO MUCH FOR YOURSELF

This goes back to the point of learning how to say “no” to things. You really don’t have to do absolutely everything.

It’s okay to have a quiet one if that’s what you want, or maybe one with less chaos and more “you time.” Just take some time to relax and think, therefore maybe you can do some of the things you didn’t do this year, next year.

Just remember that it’s okay if you don’t do it all.

5 – HAVE SUPPORT IN YOUR POCKET

Christmas isn’t the best for everyone, it can be a lonely time and stir up bad memories.

If that’s the case, or if you just find it especially hard maintaining and managing mental health at Christmas, then please make sure you have some support.

If you don’t have real-life support from friends and family, download this booklet and keep it with you, in your bag, or on your phone, for support at the touch of a button.

Make sure you take some time off for yourself and enjoy yourself too! Merry Christmas!

xoxo- The Sunshine Blogger:)

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