tips for coping at christmas
Not letting others define you is a gift
Christmas can be full of joy and merriment for most, but for so many others it can be a season of stress, anxiety and depression.
The festivities can often be a trigger for painful memories of trauma and loss. It is a time when people can turn to alcohol and drugs to resist and suppress the opening of old wounds. And with a super abundance of food and socialising over lunches and dinners, coping with an eating disorder can be extra stressful during the Christmas holidays.
Here at the Hive we have some coping mechanisms that could help you find the next few weeks a little more bearable…
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top tips for coping at christmas
1. Talk about it
This may seem simple, but there is truth in 'a problem shared, is a problem halved'. Although it may not feel like it, you are not alone. Sharing your feelings with close friends and family may highlight others feeling similar and give a sense of support within your network. If you don't have people around you that you feel comfortable talking to, short-term counselling through the season would be a good alternative.
Although it may not feel like it, you are not alone
2. Do something you're good at
Think about what you love to do, maybe you enjoy art and crafts, do you 'loose yourself' in any activity? Enjoying yourself is a good way to alleviate stress, and by turning hobbies into festive action you can help bridge the gap. If you enjoy cooking, try out a new seasonal recipe or if gardening is your thing, maybe a kitchen herb garden project for your Christmas Table would offer respite.
Enjoying yourself is a good way to alleviate stress
3. Accept who you are
Everyone is different, if we were all the same, the world would be a dull existence. Some people enjoy being the life and soul of the party, others find happiness through cooking up a storm or quietly tucking away with a favourite read. Some prefer the company of others, whilst others prefer their own. Not letting others define you is a gift.
Not letting others define you is a gift
4. Don't Over-indulge
Knowing your limits is a true skill and the key to avoiding a mental health crisis. Getting together with friends and family to celebrate is something to embrace and enjoy. However, alcohol is a known depressant. Plus, you’re more likely to make bad decisions or act on impulse. As a result, you could drain your bank account, lose a job, or ruin a relationship. When pouring your tipple this year, try to dilute it with ice cubes or ensure you drink water in between to reduce the chances of waking up regretful.
you’re more likely to make bad decisions
Similarly, too much sugar can have a noticeable effect on your mental health and wellbeing in the short and long term. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a little overindulgence but a good tip is to balance this out over the festive period - everything in moderation, and try to build in some healthy delights too. We love the Wholesome World app for zero-refined sugar recipes.
5. Care for others
Often, the pressure of spending money and buying gifts for friends, family and colleagues can feel immensely overwhelming. The money, the gift, the pressure…
This year, make simple gestures, reach out to loved ones you haven't spoken to as much as you would like. Choose charitable donations over material gifts or volunteer for a local community project. This will give you a sense of worth and be an opportunity to meet new friends.
This will give you a sense of worth and be an opportunity to meet new friends
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, you can find support and resources on our website, Instagram and on the blog.
Further afield, these websites and charities are a good place to start too.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can also ask your GP for a referral to NHS Talking Therapies, or you can self-refer.
For confidential support, you can also call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.