How to survive Christmas! Tips from NHS Wellbeing Suffolk

Surviving Christmas – tips from the NHS Wellbeing Suffolk

It’s nearly Christmas!!

Whether you’ve put your Christmas decorations up already or you’re feeling more bah humbug, it’s easy to forget to prioritise ourselves over the Christmas period. Often so busy wrapping gifts and organising festive activities that we forget to give ourselves the time we need to prioritise our wellbeing and look after our mental health.

Here are some things you can do over the festive period for your wellbeing to help you survive Christmas!

1. Set Boundaries

– If you need to miss that last-minute Christmas meal, or you don’t feel you can buy that extra present, you don’t have to!
Just like for the rest of the year, you are not obliged to do anything you don’t want to around the festive period. There will be plenty of events to pick from and opportunities to show your loved ones that you care, so don’t be afraid to set your boundaries and do what’s best for you.

2. Make time for yourself

– On top of parties, work events, shopping trips and catch-up coffees, Christmas can feel like a whirlwind with no time left for yourself.

– But it’s important that you set time aside amongst the festivities to do what YOU want to do, because even if Christmas is your favourite time of year, you can soon burnout before the big day has even arrived.

– NHS Wellbeing Suffolk offer some great opportunities for you to schedule some self-care into your busy days. Why not give their free online relaxation station a go for 45minutes of calm? To find out more or book your free place visit: Relaxation Station – Wellbeing Suffolk (wellbeingnands.co.uk)

3. Plan

– Remember, you’ve survived Christmas before, so you’ll get through this year too. You can use your past experiences to your advantage and make a plan to get prepared and manage any surprises.

– Whether you like to plan out every detail or leave everything to the last scramble, there’s no harm in scheduling in a little self-care.

– Plan in a 30-minute walk or a trip out for coffee. Maybe you want to set aside an hour for a bath or 15 quick minutes for a cup of tea by yourself. Whatever it is that you like to do, don’t sacrifice me-time over Christmas.

4. Stay Active

– Christmas is a wonderful time to indulge but there’s no need to wait for the new year to look after yourself and get active!

– Getting active doesn’t have to mean a gym membership and a Peloton. It can be a walk with friends or a dance around the kitchen whilst baking that annual batch of gingerbread.

– It can be a game of fetch with your dog or a ‘race you to the end of the road’ with your children. However, you like to do it, physical activity is great for improving your mood and overall wellbeing. So, try to squeeze as much in as possible into your busy Christmas schedule.

5. Spend time with those who need it

– For some, Christmas can be a lonely time of year. So, it’s important to take some time to support those who need it most over the festive period. Just by reaching out you can make a massive difference to somebody’s Christmas, whether it’s just a quick visit or an extra phone call, don’t underestimate the positive impact you can have on others wellbeing.

– If you or someone you know would benefit from some time spent with friendly faces, why not try one of the Wellbeing Suffolk’s online community events? There’s no need to book, you can just join on the day even if its just for 10 minutes, their engagement team will welcome you with open arms. Find out more: Community Events – Wellbeing Suffolk (wellbeingnands.co.uk)

6. Recognise when you need support

– If the thought of the Christmas period fills you with dread, or you know that all the festivities leave you feeling utterly exhausted, don’t suffer alone and reach out for support. We can support low mood, depression, anxiety, and a multitude of other things that can be affecting your wellbeing – Christmas related or not.

– If you feel you would benefit from individual support, you can self-refer to Wellbeing Suffolk from their website: Register with our services – Wellbeing Suffolk (wellbeingnands.co.uk) or by calling 0300 123 1503

– If you aren’t sure if that’s for you yet, why not try one of their free workshops, you can sit, camera off, hot cup of tea in hand and learn something new. Find out more: wellbeingnands.co.uk/suffolk/get-support/courses/

7. Most importantly, have fun!

– Whatever that means to you, have fun this year. After a hard few years and the pandemic still clear in our minds, take some time to treat yourself. Whether you’re meeting up with family this year or having a quiet one in, make the most of the season and do some things that you enjoy. Watch some Christmas films, bake some festive goodies and put your feet up. After all, let’s leave the hard work to Father Christmas 😉.

How can Wellbeing Suffolk help?

– Self-refer – If you aren’t sure what is the best way to get support with your mental health/wellbeing, this the best method for you. By filling out the self-referral form on the Wellbeing website or calling 0300 123 1503. Together with you, they will determine the right treatment for you.

– Workshops – Wellbeing Suffolk offer a multitude of free workshops to help support your mental health and wellbeing. From an anxiety toolkit to improving your sleep, our workshops allow you to sit back and listen to their expert clinician’s advice. All you have to do is book before the session and attend the online event on the day. Visit: Online Workshops and Courses – Wellbeing Suffolk (wellbeingnands.co.uk)

– Community Events – Fancy a chat or just to be in the company of friendly people? The Wellbeing Suffolk engagement team host free weekly community events where you can sit and listen or just have a chat. Visit: Community Events – Wellbeing Suffolk (wellbeingnands.co.uk)

Wellbeing Suffolk is open and accessible all year round and all their services are free of charge, so if you need support, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Home – Wellbeing – Wellbeing (wellbeingnands.co.uk)
0300 123 1503