For many, Christmas is a time to look forward to, with endless amounts of merriment, food and family fun.
But some dread the countdown to this time of the year, crumbling under the pressure to seem happy and fit in with everyone’s excitement. Or for some, maybe it brings back reminders of sad times over past Christmases.
A recent study by Walkers found that more than a third of people say they are less likely to feel okay at Christmas compared to any other time of the year.
And 51 per cent of Britons believe that people don’t want to hear about your troubles during Christmas as it dampens the mood.
Whether you’re healing from a break-up, grieving a loved one, don’t get along with your family, or struggling with anxiety, the holiday season can be a lot to deal with.
Here is how you can fight anxiety and loneliness this December.
1. Limit your time online
Spending too much time on social media has a significantly negative impact on our wellbeing throughout the year, as it can fuel our insecurities and make us feel isolated.
However, this negative pressure seems to worsen around special occasions like Christmas.
As we see our loved ones and colleagues share the highlights of their life, it can cause us to feel like we don’t fit in and we’re not living up to society’s expectations.
To prevent these comparisons from stealing your joy, limit the time you spend online during the holiday period.
2. Connect with yourself
Take time to check in and connect with yourself, as this will not only help you better understand your feelings, but it will give you an opportunity to relax and self-soothe.
From therapy and journaling to meditative practices, there are many activities you can engage in to create a calm bubble for yourself.
Sound-healing practitioner Harriet Emily explains how sound baths might be a good outlet, sharing: “Sound baths create a special segment of time for you to give back to yourself. You are guided through an entire process of mind and body relaxation before the sound journey begins, which gives you the space and time to reconnect with yourself and let go of any heavy or stuck emotions you may have been holding in the body.”
3. Reach out to your support network
As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.
While not everyone around you might be equipped with the compassion and empathy you need, try to think of those in your life that you could have a heart-to-heart with.
If you’re struggling to think of who those people might be, you can always have chat with the Samaritans by calling 116 123.
The volunteers will listen to you and give you the space to share your thought and feelings, without telling you what to do. So, it’s a pressure-free environment where you can get things off your chest.
4. Make a list
Listing things that are stressing you out and making you feel down can be a very cathartic practice.
Feelings are often jumbled up in a difficult-to-decipher fashion when they are churning inside us.
But putting them into words with pen and paper will help you become more aware of what you’re worried about and might even make you realise that some of your concerns can be addressed.
5. Make use of mental-health apps and platforms
Although social media can negatively affect us, modern technology gives us access to helpful apps and platforms to support our mental wellbeing.
Headspace, for instance, offers a course around loneliness that explains: “It’s normal to feel lonely. It’s okay to feel the indescribable sadness that accompanies this feeling, too.
“And as isolated and disconnected as you might feel, the experience of loneliness doesn’t mean you have to be cut off from the world. There are ways to feel less alone.”
Alternatively, Calm offers courses on overcoming stress and anxiety, with a variety of meditation and relaxation sessions, while Happify offers activities and learning tools to better understand your own thoughts and feelings.
6. Take care of your wellbeing
Aside from nurturing your mental and emotional health, it’s important for you to take care of your physical wellbeing, as hormonal imbalances, sleep deprivation, skipping meals, dehydration, and vitamin deficiencies will have a significantly negative impact on your emotional strength.
So, try to get eight hours of sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat nutrient-rich meals.
When you can, go outside for walks and exercise to get a vitamin D and serotonin boost.
The act of planning your meals and sleep schedule can also provide a welcome distraction.
7. Create your own expectations and traditions around the holiday season
Remember that the holiday season doesn’t have to look like the Christmas movies and your colleagues’ picturesque Instagram reels.
To take the pressure off yourself, ask yourself what you want your December to look like and which holiday traditions you’re happy to keep and which you’d rather dump.
8. Get creative with your free time
Take this time to immerse yourself in the hobbies you’ve always wanted to try.
Try your hand at painting, see if you’re any good at playing the piano, or finally finish that puzzle that has been on your dining table for weeks.
Alternatively, why not sign up for dog walking or babysitting apps to connect with your neighbours?
