Christmas is supposed to be enjoyable time to celebrate with family and friends, But it can be a difficult and challenging time that takes a toll on our mental health.
Here are 7 tips to help minimise your stress and maximise your happiness over the festive season.
- Count your blessings. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t have. Be grateful for the good things and try not to get bogged down in the bad.
- Get on the front foot and organise enjoyable activities. Don’t be passive and bemoan that “no-one’s phoning me” or “no-one’s inviting me anywhere”. Take the initiative and do the phoning and inviting.
- Keep your expectations realistic and take the pressure off yourself. The holidays do not have to be perfect. Be flexible and allow for changes in your plans.
- Spend time with people most important to you. Accept family and friends as they are. Set aside any differences, Remember that others may be feeling stressed as well.
- Look after yourself. Try to eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol and get some exercise. Importantly, don’t overreact if you over indulge. The “I blew it, so I might as well keep eating” mentality is self-defeating. One splurge won’t undo you — unless you let it. Don’t give up; just get back on track as soon as possible.
- Beware of trying to buy happiness. Make a budget and stick to it. Consider paying for experiences over possessions, helping others instead of yourself, and delaying gratification.
- Do something for someone else. Volunteer to help those less fortunate. Helping others will not only help those who need it, but it will make you appreciate what you do have.
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