Staying Well During the Festive Season
The festive season is a time of celebration, connection, and reflection. For many, it is also a period of stress, emotional strain, and fatigue. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and social expectations, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritising both your mental and physical well-being can help you enjoy the season more fully and reduce unnecessary stress.
1. Recognise and Accept Your Feelings
It is normal to experience a mix of emotions during the holidays. You may feel joy, nostalgia, or excitement, alongside anxiety, sadness, or stress. Acknowledging these feelings without judgement is an important step in protecting your mental health. Journaling, meditation, or talking to someone you trust can help process your emotions.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
You do not need to attend every event or engage in every conversation. Saying no, stepping away for a break, or leaving early when needed is an act of self-care. Boundaries protect your energy and help you stay present in the activities you choose to attend.
3. Maintain Routine and Self-Care
Festive celebrations often disrupt sleep, meals, and exercise. Try to maintain healthy habits where possible. Balanced meals, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest all support emotional resilience. Simple self-care practices such as deep breathing, short walks, or mindfulness exercises can reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
4. Manage Financial and Social Pressures
Gift-giving and social expectations can create tension. Plan realistically within your budget and focus on meaningful gestures rather than costly or extravagant gifts. Limiting time on social media can also help avoid unnecessary comparisons or feelings of inadequacy.
5. Nurture Connection and Support
Loneliness can be heightened during the festive season. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for meaningful connection. If you are struggling emotionally, professional support is available through PROCARE’s Employee Wellness Programme. Talking to a counsellor or participating in wellness sessions can provide guidance, perspective, and relief from emotional strain.
6. Focus on Presence and Meaning
Rather than chasing perfection, focus on what truly matters. Gratitude, generosity, and connection bring lasting satisfaction. Small moments, such as sharing a meal, a conversation, or an act of kindness, can make the season feel more rewarding and less stressful.
Sources for Further Reading
Mental Health Foundation. 2023. The impact of Christmas and the festive period on mental health. [online] Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/holiday-stress
World Health Organization. 2022. Mental health: strengthening our response. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
MIND. 2023. Coping with the festive season. [online] Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-the-public/holidays-and-feeling-stressed/
The festive season can be both joyful and challenging. By caring for your mental, emotional, and physical health, you can navigate it with greater balance, calm, and well-being.