The Cogent Skills Mental Health Team have put together 12 Tips of Christmas (for Better Mental Health)
According to Mind whether or not Christmas is part of your life, your mental health might be affected by it happening around you. It’s a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us, and can affect our mental health in lots of different ways. With this in mind we asked our Mental Health first aid team to put together 12 tips that everyone can practice for better mental health.
- Tim Mahoney – Avoid unhelpful, potentially harmful comparisons with others – Christmas is a time of year where it’s easier to look at what others have got in their lives. This sense of inadequacy can be exacerbated by social media leaving many of us feeling sad, upset or even left behind. This will affect your mental health and wellbeing and we invite you to consider how you are using Facebook, Instagram etc. if you’re not feeling well.
- Tracy Rowley– Limit you exposure to bad news and press
- Caroline Roberts – Keep hydrated! It’s still ok to enjoy a little bit of indulgence through the festivities!
- Tina Sawyer – Give yourself 60 minutes reconnection time every week doing whatever you like to make you happy
- Jane Byrne – Arrange to meet up with a work colleague or friend for lunch, a walk or just go for a coffee
- Michelle James – Enjoy the festivities, eat well, sleep well and do what makes you happy. Remember you don’t need to please everyone
- Geoff Cox – Aim to get some physical exercise and fresh air every day, it’s a great leveller
- Emma Seaton – Log off and take a technology-holiday
- Donna Dainton – Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises or even yoga
- Paul Hamlin – Avoid listening to gossip or too much negativity
- Chris Silker – Try using your free time to learn something new. Learning new skills can boost self-confidence and raise your self-esteem.
- Alex Slater – Remember that is it ok to ask for help
Matt Syrett added…
2021 continued to be a year of isolation and upheaval for many. The Samaritans helpline services are open 24 hours a day if you need someone to talk to. Free on 116 123
