Festive wellbeing

Christmas can be a lovely experience for many people and is often associated with spending precious time with loved ones and celebrating the festive season.

It can also be a stressful period because of additional commitments and pressures. For some people it can also be a sad and lonely time, and this is especially true if we are spending time away from family and friends, or if we are grieving the loss of a loved one.

We may also struggle with the idealised image of Christmas that is projected in the media where everyone is getting along and having a wonderful time. This for many people is not always the reality.

Whilst it is great to enjoy all the delicious treats that we associate with Christmas it is also the time of year where we may well overindulge. This can have a negative impact on our wellbeing if we don’t get the balance right.

So, to boost festive wellbeing, here are a few simple ways to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas:

Set realistic expectations

Life isn’t perfect and neither is Christmas. If we focus too much on trying to have the “perfect day” we could end up feeling stressed and disappointed. The media idealised depiction of the perfect Christmas isn’t realistic so put it into a healthy perspective.

Counting our blessings and being grateful for what we have is so important. Remember to compare is to despair!

Set healthy boundaries

Personal boundaries are essential when it comes to managing unnecessary stress and knowing and understanding what our personal limits are. Boundaries are also a sign of self-respect, and they can help us to nurture healthy relationships with those around.

So being aware of our own limits and energy levels is key, and then communicating those boundaries will help people around us understand and respect them. It is perfectly okay to say no to things that will add to our stress, because if we get stressed it will have a negative impact on all the people we are trying to people please in the first place.

Respect differences

We are all different and we are all entitled to our perspectives and opinions. However, when we get together for any festive occasions with other people it helps to avoid some of the more contentious topics around politics, religion and money. Discussing these especially after consuming alcohol can lead to elevated tension and even arguments. So keeping things light and positive will avoid any upsets and potential fall outs.

Build in time for relaxation

Scheduling in time aside for relaxation is important at any time of the year, however when we get caught up with all the festive activity, we may not pro-actively build time in to rest and relax. It may be listening to some soothing music, doing some mindful breathing, having a luxurious bath or enjoying an afternoon snooze. It’s often the little things that we do that will help to refuel our energy resources.

Get some fresh air

One of the best ways to invigorate our senses is fresh air and if we live in a colder climate it is easy to stay inside during the holidays. A lack of fresh air can mean a lack of oxygen to the brain resulting in fatigue and dullness of mind. Getting outside as much as we can will help us feel so much better, especially after we have eaten a big festive meal!

Be aware of over indulgence

I certainly don’t want to be a party pooper here and especially as we may want to enjoy our favourite treats at Christmas, however when we overindulge, it can leave us feeling lethargic and low.

Moderation is about finding a balance that works for us and enjoying the things we love in a way that’s healthy and sustainable. Being mindful about what we are eating and drinking will help us to strike a healthy balance, and building in some healthy eating and non-drinking days is the Christmas gift we can give to our body.

Sprinkle kindness around like confetti

The festive season, for many, can be a time of celebration, fun and togetherness. It is also important to remember that Christmas can also be a challenging time for some people and not everyone enjoys this time of year for a multitude of reasons. Being sensitive to how people may feel and thinking of ways to help other people by being kind and thoughtful is so important.

Whether it is volunteering, supporting our chosen charity, looking out for people who may need support, or offering company to people who are lonely, we can all make a difference and love and kindness are the best Christmas gift of all.