Wellbeing in the festive season

This can be a wonderful time of celebration and connection with the people we love.

For some of us, however, it can also be difficult and stressful – we may feel we have more to do than we can fit into the time available, and some of us may be struggling financially. It can also remind us of tough times or of people we’re not able to be with.

We’ve put together some tips for looking after your mental wellbeing at this time of year. We hope you find it helpful.

Stay active

Physical activity can really help with keeping your mood positive – whether you like walking, dancing, cycling, playing football or another type of exercise or sport. Being outdoors is particularly beneficial but doing something to get yourself moving indoors can also be helpful.

Sleep is beneficial

Sleep is important for our wellbeing. Try not to skimp on it, even when there’s a lot going on.

Most adults need around 7-9 hours a night; children and young people need more to ensure healthy brain development.

To help you sleep try getting more light during the day, make sure your bedroom is not too hot or too cold, try not to look at screens in bed, and avoid caffeine for several hours before bedtime.

Give yourself space

This can be a very busy time of year, trying to finish work projects before the holiday, arranging social events, buying presents, amongst other demands. If it’s all getting a bit hectic, take time out to be in nature, listen to your favourite music, read an uplifting book – or just be in the moment.

Remember we're all individuals

We’re all different people with different needs and situations. Some of us are spontaneous party animals, others are quieter and like predictability. Those who are neurodivergent, for instance, may find it particularly important to keep to their routines at this busy time of year.

Navigating family gatherings can also be especially challenging for some. People may have difficult relationships with their families for various reasons, for example a young person may have parents who are struggling to understand the young person’s sexuality or gender identity. If you have a safe ‘found family’ it’s important to be in touch with them at times like these.

Parents and carers may find this time of year brings added stresses, particularly those who are supporting a child who is struggling with their mental health. You may wish to take a look at our resources or find out more about parent carer peer support:

Parent carer peer support

Aim for regular meals

Keeping a healthy routine, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables if you can, will help keep stress at bay. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing. Try whatever’s realistic for you and be kind to yourself if you have ‘off’ days. Those who need support with an eating problem at this time of year might find the following organisations and resources helpful:

Supporting a child with an eating problem

Workshops for anyone caring for a loved one with an eating disorder

Beat National Eating Disorder Charity

Stay connected

It can be easy to feel lonely when we’re bombarded with images of happy families. It can be especially hard for those who are recently bereaved, away from family, or without a community nearby. Older people living alone may feel lonely, as may those who are estranged from their families.

Stay connected with your sources of support and if you’re not sure where to turn, we’ve listed some useful organisations:

Support with mental health

You may also find our 'Asking for Help' guide useful:

Asking for help

It's okay if you're not feeling festive

There can be all kinds of reasons why some of us don’t feel festive: we may be going through a difficult time, dislike the pressure to enjoy ourselves, or feel guilty about celebrating with such a negative global backdrop. 

Or perhaps these sorts of festivities are just not your thing. It’s okay to feel how you feel – you’re not the only one!