Have you enjoyed Christmas or did it not live up to your expectations? How can you recover from it and support your co-workers?
Christmas is a lovely festive time of the year to many, while to others, it is a source of stress – full of pressures, expectations, and worries about money. This can profoundly affect and damage our mental health and wellbeing.
The build-up and preparation for Christmas many have added stress and put a financial strain on people. It can be a daunting and exhausting time and task to many, as people may find it difficult to cope with the increased level of stress and pressure it may bring.
The festive period can exacerbate certain issues. One of the common issues can be family conflict and family situations. Some people may find it difficult to spend concentrated periods and time with family and relatives, and this can lead to dreading and worrying about Christmas and top up the stress experienced.
Others may have experienced bereavement or are feeling lonely, missing family, relatives, friends, or partners, etc. It can be a tough time for those who have lost their loved ones or are on their own and struggle with the Christmas and New Year celebrations and traditions.
It is said that around 11 million people aged 65 and over, in the UK are twice likely to be on their own during the Christmas festive season than younger people.
The financial pressure of Christmas
Another concern it may bring is worrying about money and how to afford Christmas such as food, drink, Christmas presents etc. It can be a huge stress factor. People may have to max out on their credit cards to buy Christmas presents they really can’t afford. Consequentially, people can get themselves into debt.
People can worry they do not have enough money and maybe not live up to family and relatives’ expectations of presents and feel they are letting people down if they can’t afford any at all.
Something else to think about is the pressure of seeing family and relatives and trying to please everyone, bearing in mind the rising cost of fuel and transport that has gone through the roof.
The global economy has had a strong impact on people’s spending patterns, as the cost of living is on the rise, leaving many people anxious and stressed about their spending. It can have an impact on how we sleep and feel.
How Christmas can affect our mental health and wellbeing
Having a break over the festive period can be reviving for many people. It can give people a well-earned rest to spend time enjoying themselves.
For some, the festive period can become overwhelming and make us feel exhausted and emotional. We may also, overeat and consume more alcohol than normal, leaving us feeling lethargic and this, in turn, may lead to a lack of exercise which can affect our overall health and wellbeing.
The planning and the weeks running up to Christmas and the pressure it brings to many can lead to anxiety, trouble sleeping, difficulties in concentrating, staying focused and headaches. It is also worth mentioning that elevated levels of stress and worry can also affect our immune system and make catching a cold easier.
Long-term levels of stress and worry can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The winter months can be hard as with less daylight and the dark days can also affect how we are feeling.
Sadly, accidents, injuries and violence are linked to the festive celebrations too. Some may be due to excessive drinking, being exhausted, excited, tired, and stressed, and we must be mindful that domestic abuse and violence have their highest peak on Christmas Day.
How to survive and support after Christmas
- Regarding bereavement, it can be hard to know how to show support to those that are experiencing bereavement, especially during this time of the year. It can be useful to ask how they wish to celebrate Christmas and the different options and ways of celebrating.
- If you are experiencing loneliness, try and do the things you enjoy to keep busy. You can also try to join a charity of your choice to meet and help others.
- It is important to keep healthy and eat and drink well. Ensure you drink plenty of water to hydrate, especially after consuming alcohol.
- Exercise will help too, not only to keep fit and well but also to relieve anxiety and stress as it can lift the mood.
- If you feel that you have been stressed, worried, or built up debts etc try to recover by looking after yourself and your mental health and wellbeing.
- Can you spot the signs of domestic abuse? Look for changes in behaviour such as; controlling behaviour, people feeling afraid, or feeling they are treading on eggshells to give a few examples.
- Remember Christmas should be a time that is filled with joy and laughter – a time to make good memories, eat well and spend time with people you love etc.
- If you felt Christmas was not quite how you wanted it to be, try and think of how you could make a change for the festive period next year. Think of new things you can try and avoid things that didn’t go well.
- Finally, you may have had a great Christmas, but others may not have had such a good one. It’s always a good idea to support others. When returning to the workplace always ask your co-workers how things have been and if the answer isn’t good, be as supportive as you can and signpost them to a professional.