From financial pressures to dealing with your weird uncle, the festive season can be as challenging as it is cheerful.
Let’s look at 5 ways to keep Christmas as a time of joy.
1. Go easy on yourself
It's fine not to feel festive all the time.The holiday season can be stressful or even sad, triggered by memories of lost loved ones or the pressure to keep everyone happy. Don’t pressure yourself to get into the Christmas spirit and make sure you enjoy it on your terms.
2. Lean on support when the going gets tough
Whether it's the strain of leaving Christmas presents to the last minute or something much more serious, you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re struggling, open up to a friend or family member that you trust.
3. Create new traditions
Change is good. Old traditions might not align with your current lifestyle and could trigger negative emotions. If traditional Christmas celebrations bring stress, create new ones. Celebrate in new places. Eat different food. See friends you wouldn’t normally see.
4. Take a moment for yourself
Amongst the Christmas chaos, take a moment for yourself. Play video games, watch TV, go for a walk - whatever makes you tick. Having a break during busy schedules and social gatherings can give you the energy to enjoy them, rather than dread them.
5. Seek professional guidance
When the stress of the season feels too heavy - be it from travel chaos, family dynamics, or seasonal affective disorder - seeking professional help is a positive next step. Don’t be afraid to take it.
The numan take
This Christmas, take control of your health. Recognise stress. Seek support. Change old habits. Christmas is a time of joy, and that has to start in your own head.
Joe is an avid writer. He loves puns and rhymes, but most importantly, strives to write copy that motivates men to change their lives for the better. Away from Numan, you can find Joe probably annoyed at a Watford F.C. game, enjoying a boogie at a disco night, or on a bike ride along the Thames.
Clinical Governance Lead, MPharm, Postgraduate Diploma in General Pharmacy Practice
Lauren leads on clinical governance at Numan, ensuring that everything we do prioritises high quality care, excellent patient safety and experience. Lauren has years of experience in Medicines Information and Advisory from her time at Imperial College London Hospitals. She considers herself a generalist pharmacist as she has worked in various hospital specialities, including Intensive Care and Neurosurgery.
