It is important to manage your mental health over the Christmas period because the holiday season can be a particularly stressful and challenging time.
The added pressures of extra shifts, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family can all contribute to increased stress and anxiety. Additionally, the longer days and warmer weather can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout.
By managing your mental health over the Christmas period, you can better cope with the added stresses and challenges of the season. This can include things like practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support if needed.
By taking care of your mental health, you can enjoy the holiday season and make the most of the time with the people you care about.
So, let’s talk about it!
Our top 10 tips for managing your mental health this Summer:
Eat well: It can be easy to overindulge during the holiday season but try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This can include things like eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, choosing lean proteins, and limiting your intake of sugar and processed foods. Need some tips? Check out our online support recording Nutrition for Hospitality Workers on Youtube.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for good health, so make sure to get enough sleep during the holiday season. This can help to reduce stress and improve your mood. Need some tips? Check out our online support recordings Sleep Strategies for Hospo Workers on Youtube.
Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you to relax and recharge. This can include things like meditation, yoga, or going for a walk. Here’s a simple 10-minute mindfulness meditation to get you started.
Seek support: If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support. Lifeline is always available to support us. They are professionally trained to understand what you’re experiencing and the best way to move forward. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries for yourself in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed. This can include things like saying no to requests for your time, setting limits on your workload, and taking regular breaks. Learn how to stick up for yourself and set good boundaries.
Stay connected: Social connections are important for mental health, so make sure to stay connected with friends and family. This can include things like regular phone calls, text messages, or in-person visits. You can always connect with healthy community groups like Mingle or look for free community events including Cold Nips, Beach Meditation & Breath Work, 20.Peace,
Take breaks: If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break from your work. Step away from your responsibilities for a little while and take some time to breathe and recharge.
- Communicate openly and honestly: Make sure to communicate openly and honestly with your coworkers and supervisors. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and can help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
Engage in activities that you enjoy: Make time to do things that you enjoy and that bring you joy. This can include things like hobbies, creative pursuits, or spending time outdoors.
Seek out positive experiences: Make an effort to seek out positive experiences, both at work and in your personal life. This can include things like volunteering, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that make you happy.
Be kind to yourself: Be gentle with yourself and remember that it’s okay to not be perfect. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go as planned, and remember to give yourself credit for the things you do well.
