As we approach the festive season symptoms of grief that have previously relented might suddenly return. From wrapping presents for one less person to enjoying meals with an empty seat at the table, the absence of a loved one’s presence is often that much greater.
Coping with Festive Stress and Anxiety
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it can be stressful, depressing, lonely and financially draining, and you might be particularly worried this year given the concerns around the current cost of living crisis. Are you starting to feel the pressure already?
Here are some top tips for taking care of your mental health and dealing with financial pressures, this festive season:
1. Be in the moment
When your mind brims over with money worries and stressful thoughts of all the things you need to get done, it can be useful to slow down, get present and be more aware of yourself and surroundings. Some simple grounding exercises such as focusing on your breath and noticing your senses (what can you see, hear, feel, smell and taste), can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
2. Take a break
Make healthy 'me time' a priority if you find your stress levels rising. You may want to head out for a walk, have a bubble bath or join one of our wellbeing workshops for practical tips and techniques to help you look after your emotional health – whatever will help you to relax or unwind. Of course, we understand that making time for this can be difficult to do if you have a lot of responsibilities, so plan your 'me time' in advance. For example, you could arrange with a family member or friend to take the children out for a few hours or delegate some of your errands for somebody else to pick up.
3. Stick to a budget
It may be a season of giving, but the festivities don’t have to break the bank. Making and sticking to a budget is one of the best ways to keep on top of your finances over the festive period, to help prevent the worry and stress of being in debt. Many of us will be feeling the pinch this year, so asking friends and family to cut down on gifts, creating homemade presents and taking advantage of seasonal deals can also help in maintaining your budget and easing the strain on your mental health.
4. Share the load and the cost
If you're having friends and family gatherings, think about what others could do to contribute. Maybe you could ask every guest to bring something, like desert or games and together you can ensure you have everything you need. That way you relieve some pressure, both in terms of taking on all the responsibility and it being easier on your pocket to.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
Social media can make other people’s lives look perfect. It is easy to get carried away with what everyone else is doing and buying but try to remember that everyone struggles in one way or the other and people don’t always show this, so whatever challenges you face during this festive season, know that you are not alone.
Seek support for festive stress
If you’re struggling to cope with the festive period, you may want to find support for your mental health. There are a few ways that you can do this:
- Secure your free place at one of our online festive workshops Winter Wellness, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Loneliness & Isolation, Financial Worries and Low mood & depression here to help you realise you are not alone in how you feel during this time and learn useful self-help techniques to support you through this season.
- The Winter Wellness workshop is also taking place at High Town Community Sports & Arts Centre Concorde Street, Luton LU2 0JD on the 9th and 12th of December at 12:30 – 2pm. (No need to book just turn up on the day)
- Visit our contact page for support with your mental or physical health.
- Contact us via [email protected] if you would like us to deliver a workshop for your organisation or to refer yourself directly to our service.