New Year, New You?

Avoid unnecessary stress by planning as much as you can and not taking on too much. Learn the word ‘no’ and don’t be afraid to use it with family members or friends that are adding to your pressure.

At Christmas it can be all too easy to be swept up in other people’s ideas of what Christmas should be like. It’s important to also do things that you would like to do instead of trying to please others. Try to set aside time for you.

If you do decide to use social media over the festive season, avoid comparing your experience to those of your friends. Remember that most people only share the best bits of their lives online and you don’t know what’s going on behind the smiling selfies and present pictures!

Give yourself time to relax and enjoy yourself. If you are working enjoy sharing time with the people that you are working with, whether that be clients or peers. The clients may see only you, give them your time and enjoy there’s. Be careful not to overspend at Christmas, we can all be guilty of doing so. Remember you don’t want to be paying for it all of next year.

Enjoy the fresh air. Even if we are still in lockdown tiers, make sure that you get some fresh air and vitamin D from the little light that we get at this time of the year. Being in the house all of the time can be intense especially at Christmas time with family and friends from your ‘bubbles’ being around you all of the time. A change of scenery may be good for everyone.

Whilst we will all be indulging in some Christmas good ness over the season, take care with your food and try to keep your diet as balanced as possible. This will help with your energy levels by regulating and maintaining them. This will also help with mood regulation.

Whilst a bit of alcohol can make you feel relaxed, don’t forget that drinking too much can leave you feeling irritable and low. Drinking within the recommended guidelines means you’ll get to enjoy a Christmas tipple, whilst reducing the negative effects on your mood. Alcohol can also play a big part in arguments and disagreements, so it’s sensible to drink in moderation.

Feeling sleepy can also leave you feeling low, so try to keep to regular sleep patterns as much as possible over the Christmas period.

If you’re worried about Christmas or feel overwhelmed or under pressure, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it. Have a chat to someone you trust. Your counsellor here at PCS will be available throughout the Christmas period if you need to talk to someone.