Looking after yourself over Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, and many people are already planning their celebrations. The anticipation of travelling to visit loved ones feels strong after being restricted these last couple of years.  

However, for many people this festive season brings feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness and financial stress. If you find that you are experiencing any of these feelings, it’s important that you reach out to a mental health professional.  

It’s important that we look after ourselves and take some time for self-care. It’s often that first thing that gets sacrificed when we are busy or feeling stressed. However, by incorporating self-care activities into your daily routine, this can help prevent anxiety and stress in the long run.  

Tips for self-care:  

• Do some grounding and breathing techniques when feeling stressed or anxious. Click here to access a copy of our Regulation Tools handout.
• It’s okay to say no. Christmas can be a time where there are lots of social gatherings happening and you may feel like you have to attend. Give yourself permission to do what you want to do  
• Change your expectations surrounding Christmas and social events. This can help relieve some of the stress you may be feeling  
• It’s easy to be tough on yourself - if you do feel yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed. Understand that it’s normal to feel this way over the silly season and we need to be kind to ourselves and practice self-compassion.
• Keep active, stay hydrated and get good quality sleep
• Do something you enjoy every day, even if that’s just watching your favourite movie or going to the beach. It’s an opportunity to have some YOU time.  

Over the Christmas period, many mental health professionals go on holidays. If you feel like you need to speak with someone there is still support available for you over this time.  

• ACT (Acute Care Team) 24/7: 1300 64 2255  
• Lifeline 24/7: 13 11 14  or Text 0477 121 114
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
• Call 000 to request an ambulance or present to the Emergency Department of the Hospital.