6 festive wellbeing tips for the holidays!

This time of year can often be difficult for those of us experiencing mental health challenges. The numerous trials we have all faced over the past two years have only increased the festive expectations and pressures. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, we therefore wanted to share six quick, simple tips that could be useful in helping us all stay well and enjoy the festive period.

🎄 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 – This time of year can be overwhelming and full of expectations. You are the most important person and you shouldn't feel guilty for taking time out to look after yourself.

🎁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁-𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Think outside of the box! The gifts that mean the most are never the most expensive. This past year has been challenging for everyone, and for many of us ‘time’ is now the most precious gift.

❄️ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 – Take time out to really appreciate all of the little things that make this time of the year so wonderful. Acknowledging each gratitude can be a real boost when you are feeling low.

🎅 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 – Focus on the present moment and re-connecting, rather than being consumed by future worries or past problems. (We know that this one is definitely easier said than done!)

⛄ 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 & 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – Traditions are important and can help provide familiarity and stability. Find a balance between trying something new, whilst sticking with the things you know and love.

✨ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Taking time out to reflect on whatever you are feeling/experiencing can help you manage the difficult parts of the holidays, and can also help you acknowledge everything good.

However you choose to spend the festive period, make sure you take care of you! If you need extra support over the next couple of weeks while Devon Mind is closed, please refer to our guide to out-of-hours helplines available 24/7 at devonmind.com/xmas2021.

From everyone here at Devon Mind, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 💙