Wellbeing in the festive season

White curve
Wellbeing in the festive season

Ways to look after your mental wellbeing this Christmas

Christmas, New Year and the festive season can be a wonderful time of celebration and connection with people we love. For some of us, it can also be stressful and trigger difficult feelings. Here are a few things for you to do to look after your mental wellbeing at this time of year:

Follow our six tips to wellbeing at Christmas

woman walking with pram

 

Stay active: Physical activity can really help with keeping your mood positive – whether you like walking, cycling, playing football...

Not feeling festive? That’s okay! There can be all sorts of reasons why some of us don’t feel festive. It’s okay to feel how you feel – you’re not the only one!

dogs sleeping on bed

 

Get enough sleep: Sleep is vital for our wellbeing. Try not to skimp on it – even on Christmas Eve!

Give yourself space: 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.

healthy lunch on wooden board

 

Aim for regular meals: Keeping a healthy routine, with plenty of water, fruit, veg if you can, will help keep stress at bay. Try whatever's realistic for you and be kind to yourself if you have 'off' days. 

Stay supported: It’s easy to feel lonely at Christmas when we’re bombarded with images of happy families. Stay connected to your sources of support and if you’re not sure where to turn, we've listed some useful organisations:

Support with mental health

Resources

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Asking for help (adult)

When it’s time to talk about your mental health.

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Asking for help (young person)

A simple guide for young people to help talk about their feelings.

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CREATE a university mental health strategy

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for University

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Resource

Depression booklet

Featuring useful facts, figures and information, this booklet also contains sources of help and what not to say to people experiencing depression

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Resource

Five Ways to Wellbeing posters

Seven page poster pack - one for each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, give, learn, be active, take notice. Plus two all-in-one posters.

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Resource

Guide to depression for parents and carers

This booklet aims to help recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Guide to depression for parents and carers (Welsh)

This booklet aims to help parents recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Resource

Life at university (A4 poster)

A4 poster with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Life at university (A6 postcard)

A6 postcard with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Low mood poster

Poster created in partnership with Bank Workers Charity highlighting common causes of low mood, how to help yourself feel better and information on where to get more help.

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Resource

Making the move to university: care leavers

Read how to look after your mental health if you are starting university after being in care.

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Making the move to university: international students

Moving to university is especially tough for those who are coming from another country. Don't forget to make sure you prioritise your mental health, and read how to do so here.

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Making the move to university: LGBTQ+ students

Read our resource on how you can best take care of your mental health when making the transition to university if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Making the move to university: not fitting in

Read our guide on how to protect your wellbeing if you are starting university and feel like you may not fit in in any way.

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Making the move to university: students with adverse childhood experiences

Resource for those starting university who have had adverse childhood experiences such as trauma or abuse.

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Making the move to university: young carers

Read how to access support and prioritise your mental health while transitioning to university as a young carer.

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Patent and trade mark professionals

Protecting your mental health and wellbeing: A guide for patent and trade mark professionals

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Resource

Perfectionism

Aiming high can sometimes come at a cost. This eight page guide looks at ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ – how to spot it and advice on how to develop effective interventions.

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Schools' mental health policy template

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for Schools 

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Supervision in education

Ten top tips for setting up staff supervision groups in schools

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Resource

Taking care of your mental health for occupational health practitioners

This resource for occupational health practitioners suggests ways for you to take time out of your day to focus on yourself in order to stay healthy and stress-free.

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Resource

Top Tips For Students

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health.

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Resource

Warning signs poster

A bold A3 poster showing the warning signs that tell you when someone may be depressed. This poster could save a life.

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (child)

A simple, resource to help young people keep themselves well and get them through difficult times

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Wellbeing Action Plan (young person)

Our Wellbeing Action Plan is for all young people attending sixth form or college.

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Wellbeing Activities

Activity sheets on the five ways to wellbeing.

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Wellbeing Challenge 2021 school pack

Lesson plan and activities based on the five ways to wellbeing

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Resource

Wellbeing Journal

A simple, journal to help young people think about and write down the things which make them feel good.

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Five ways to wellbeing bookmark

Our bookmark features the five ways to wellbeing and some helpful techniques for when you’re feeling a bit worried. Use it as a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind.

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Resource

Five ways to wellbeing bookmark for children

Our bookmark for children features the five ways to wellbeing and helpful techniques for when you’re feeling worried. It’s a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind!

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (adult)

A simple, resource to help adults support and maintain their wellbeing.

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