Go easy on yourself if you happen to’re not feeling particularly joyful this yr. Christmas could also be pitched as a time for connection and celebration, but unfortunately, Santa’s magic doesn’t necessarily cure exhaustion, grief, stress, loneliness, mental health issues or financial pressure.
Christmas could be a stressful time that amplifies other life pressures.Credit:Lifeline
“Often the challenges that individuals have faced through the yr are amplified at Christmas,” says Robert Sams, Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Direct.
“Relationships might be difficult and pressure to maintain up with the Joneses might be amplified.”
For a lot of Australians, this Christmas might feel particularly tough as we proceed to process all that’s been thrown at us over the past few years.
“Our communities have experienced cumulative trauma – there have been droughts followed by bushfires, COVID and floods. People have needed to continuously put up with loads and cope,” Sams points out.
“I also worry in regards to the financial challenges and stresses people is perhaps facing, with the associated fee of living now well-documented.”
But with some sage strategies, probably the most fraught of festive seasons may grow to be more manageable. Try the following pointers from Lifeline’s Crisis Support Employees:
- Acknowledge and accept your feelings. It’s normal to feel anything from exhausted to sad to indignant, completely happy, excited or hopeful at Christmas, so try not to place pressure on yourself to feel a certain way. “Often when people can name a sense, they will cope with it,” Sams says.
- Make space for grief and loss. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, pet, relationship or job, it’s natural for feelings of grief to proceed long after the loss occurs. Honour your loss in a way that feels right to you, share your feelings with someone you trust and consider if you happen to’d prefer to create a recent tradition.
- Concentrate on giving. An attentive ear is the most effective gifts money can’t buy. “Christmas is usually a time of gifts, but the perfect present you possibly can give is being present,” Sams says. “We’re social beings and it’s powerful to feel you’ve got connected and been real with one other person.”
- Keep tabs on stress and anxiety levels. It could possibly be a busy time of yr, but if you happen to notice you’re suffering from worry, irritability, sleep challenges or tummy troubles, take a breather. Go for a walk, chat to someone you trust or try a meditation to search out the perfect “calm balm” for you.
- Set healthy boundaries. Whether it’s declining an invitation, saying no to deal with guests or taking over fewer responsibilities, do not forget that your needs are only as essential as other’s.
- Monitor your budget. Could you reduce financial pressure with some Christmas creativity? A “bring a plate” barbecue as a substitute of a restaurant catch-up or a voucher for babysitting or gardening might be thoughtful ways to attach with out a subsequent bank card bill.
- Take trip. Allowing time for rest, leisure and reflection amongst the planning, preparing and caregiving is essential – in spite of everything, you possibly can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Get back to basics. It’s fun to indulge at Christmas, but do not forget that whole foods, moving your body, keeping hydrated and moderating your alcohol and caffeine consumption are all essential pillars for our mental health.
- Give thanks. Commonly considering the great elements of life is proven to extend happiness, reduce stress and improve our ability to cope with difficult situations. Whether you mentally thank someone, keep a gratitude journal or consider what went well that day, you possibly can change your brain wiring if you begin to notice even the littlest of wins.
- Hook up with combat loneliness. All of the messaging of family and connection can amplify feelings of loneliness at the moment of yr, but you possibly can start to scale back these feelings by staying lively to release feel good chemicals, avoiding comparison with others, sticking to a day by day routine with enjoyable activities and being kind to others.
- Have realistic relationship expectations. The increased responsibilities and expectations at the moment of yr could be a recipe for inflamed tensions. Attempt to avoid alcohol and medicines, in addition to known contentious conversation topics, and if the strain is attending to you, some deep breaths might assist you to cope.
- Remember you will not be alone. If Christmas pressure or loneliness is taking its toll, know that there’s all the time someone there for you at Lifeline. “We’re there so people don’t need to face any moment alone, whether that’s at 2am or 4pm on a Sunday,” Sams says. “You may reach out and we’ll be there.”
Staying connected with others is essential through the Christmas rush.Credit:Lifeline
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