Tips of for surviving the festive season

If you're spending Christmas alone or missing loved ones, it's really important that you ensure you are keeping yourself mentally healthy.

For many the festive season is a time of joy, connecting with family and friends and letting go of the stresses of the year. While for others it can be a time of uncertainty, with additional pressure being felt financially and emotionally.

To help you look after yourself this year, we wanted to share with you some simple but important self-care tips:

• It's ok to say no

We all have the right of choice and control, and with that also comes the right to say 'no' to anything that you are not comfortable doing or that you don't find helpful.

• Maybe you want to help our in a charity for the festive season?
• Maybe you want to host a gathering for people who don't have family around?
• Maybe you want to get aware and have some down time by yourself without any pressure?

All of those things are ok. It is important to know and respect your personal limits around being with family and socialising and recognise that it is ok to say 'no'.

• Give yourself permission to feel your emotions

If you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed by a situation, why not step away and take five minutes out. Take time to tell yourself it’s really OK if you are not feeling particularly "merry or joyous" this holiday season.

By giving yourself permission to feel your emotions you can help reduce your holiday-related stress and depression.

• Take a break from social media

Although this is easier said than done for most, taking a break from social media can save you

from engaging in a cycle of self-sabotage and comparison.

• Practice self-compassion

During the holiday season you are more likely to be critical of yourself. You can practice self-compassion this holiday season by treating yourself as you would a friend.

• Connect with and support those around you

A little effort goes a long way when it comes to helping others. If there is someone who is finding this time of year tough, you can make a difference by checking in and having meaningful conversations.

• Know someone who has had a tough year? Why not meet up for a chat over a cuppa?
• Know someone who is grieving? Take the time to ask them how they would like to honour the memory of their loved on this festive season.
• Extend an invitation to someone who will be alone during the holiday period.
• Can't get to family and friends this festive season...why not have a virtual catchup instead.
• Help others

Did you know that focusing on someone else’s needs releases a great amount of the feel good hormone oxytocin? It will help you feel better not only about yourself but also the world around you. It doesn’t have to be something huge, small of acts of kindness such as holding a door open for someone, letting a person go first in a line, or helping someone to their car with groceries, all make a difference.

Then there is giving…Kmart has a ‘wishing tree’ in every store where you can buy a gift for children or adults doing it tough this year, or there is the local salvos where you can give your time in their soup kitchen, or if you know of someone doing it really tough why not buy/make them a meal?

And as the new year rolls around, what better time to look forward, analyse what's ahead and set goals. Becoming more focused on you and setting personal goals is an important exercise to better your mental health.

selectabiity is running programs and activities in various locations across our footprint - keep an eye on our What's On page for details.

Reach out for support

Most importantly remember there is always support available!

• Wadda Mooli, Crisis Support Space – Townsville University Hospital
  (Wed-Sun – 2pm to 10pm)
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline (5-25yrs) 1800 551 800
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• Beyondblue 1300 224 636
• QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527