The festive period is a time for cheer, overindulgence, and presents. But for some, it can also be a time of loneliness and stress, made worse by social media highlighting how perfect our peers’ Christmases are. When we don’t feel like we’re doing as well, we can feel inadequate, and our Christmas begins to feel a lot less ‘Miracle on 34th street’ and a lot more ‘Nightmare before Christmas’.
Having recently started my first full-time job at Safehinge Primera, this Christmas marks my first official ‘adult Christmas’ as I hang up my sledge and deal with this pressure for perfection. To help, I reached out to my colleagues to get their tips on how to manage my mental wellbeing over the festive period.
1. Don’t believe the hype
According to
Our administrator, Susan says she refrains from using social media over the festive period, other than to wish her family and friends a Happy Christmas. She swaps Facebook for a Christmas film with her family or taking a walk.
2. Take everything in moderation
According to the Mental Health Foundation, the celebratory nature of Christmas and New Year often means social drinking and binge eating. And whilst this may make you feel more relaxed, this excess can cause low mood or lethargy. That’s why they recommend that you don’t exceed the recommended number of units, and maintain a healthy diet over the festive period.
Hamish, our marketing manager is a keen runner and says it’s important to stay active. But instead of going for a few long runs, he swaps to shorter distances more often – ensuring he gets out the house and burns off the excess calories.
3. Take a break
Mind charity recommends using the festive period to relax and look after yourself.
Our finance manager, Ann, says that her family shares out the tasks, ensuring everyone has an equal part to play in the Christmas set up. Because her husband enjoys cooking the Christmas dinner, she takes on the role of planning for the big day – whether this is buying the presents or writing the Christmas cards; it’s about ensuring they each take turns and get some time off. Santa gets the other 364 days a year off, so it only seems fair that we get some time to unwind too.
From all of us here at Safehinge Primera, we wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
The content displayed on this webpage is intended for informational purposes and should be used as a guide only. This information does not replace or substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
