Do you have Christmas anxiety? You are not alone. From worries about money to trying to be all things to all people, Christmas isn’t always a joyous time, it can be a time of stress. Here are our thoughts to help you to make the most of this time of year.
1. What are you telling yourself about what will happen at Christmas?
If you are winding yourself up about what you feel is likely to happen. Flip it!
Your mind listens to what you tell it. If you give it a positive hook it will believe you. If the issue is ‘my sister always mentions that I don’t look after Dad enough’ you will be hyper alert to that style of comment or indeed any comment from your sister and anything about your Dad. So, create a mantra – which is a short saying that you repeat often – saying “I give all of the time I can to my family and I love them very much”.
You can make choices around challenging relationships, maybe you need to limit your time with certain people. Ultimately, consider what a good outcome would be and focus on that.
2. Change Your Christmas Routine
Do you have to do what you always do? If you are getting stressed about Christmas, why not try something new. Visit different family members, or decide to stay at home. If getting the Christmas lights on to the roof is stressing you out – then put them somewhere else. When we get stressed we forget we have choices, choosing not to change is still a choice.
Create new Christmas traditions which suit you and support you more.
3. Volunteer
Loneliness can really be highlighted at this time of the year. Spending time with other generous people who have decided to give their time for free can be a great way to overcome loneliness at any time of the year. It’s especially great at Christmas. Food banks, homes for the elderly, soup kitchens often need extra help this time of the year. Helping others to have a lovely day can help you to have a lovely Christmas period too.
4. The gift of time
If money is an issue, remember there is always the gift of time. Creating vouchers or notes to your friends and family saying you are happy to dog walk or baby sit are very welcome. Be honest if money is a concern, you will not be alone.
5. Don’t overbook
The fear of missing out can leave you frazzled and worried how you are going to pay for everything, or have the energy to do everything. Instead consider pacing yourself and really enjoying every moment. It’s OK to say no, remember, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!
Finally…
Christmas is an opportunity to bring things together and reflect, whether you have had a great year or a challenging year it is now in the past and brand new shiny 2023 is just around the corner.
If you are frustrated with the challenge of Christmas, consider your wellbeing and focus on the one thing you can always change: Yourself. Focus on getting good sleep, getting outside and experiencing daylight every day. Take some exercise, and find a friend to talk to. We don’t have to share everything with everyone, but do try to share something with someone.
The team at Discover your Bounce would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023.
Check out our Facebook group for positive thoughts and some fun. We also have a wellbeing podcast and a blog about supporting mental health at home and at work.
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