How to create balance for the 2020 festive period

​The Christmas period is often a challenging time for many people. But 2020 will be one like no other. 

Due to restrictions easing and end of year festivities beginning, many of us are feeling obligated to schedule catch ups with family and friends. But after being so isolated for the majority of the year, a suddenly busy schedule of social engagements can be quite overwhelming and exhausting.

Stepping back into ‘normal life’ may even sharpen our awareness of the losses we’ve experienced throughout the year - confidence, motivation, relationships, security, finances or even the lives of loved ones. So it’s no surprise that many people will also be feeling nervous, anxious, lost or lonely. 

After such a difficult year, it is important to ensure you maintain balance and don’t burn yourself out. We’ll share some ideas with you, to lighten your mental load, reduce stress and anxiety, help you ease your way back into a social life with friends and to survive the Christmas lunch with family.
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1. Learn to say no. It’s a powerful word, which you have every right to use, without explanation. Use it to prioritise your mental health. Say no to that catch up you’re not ready for. Say no to hosting Christmas at your house. ‘No’ may even be an investment towards your ability to say ‘yes’ at a later stage, when you’re ready.
2. Delegate and outsource. If you are required to host an event, don’t do everything. Write comprehensive lists and then be specific about what you require from others. If there is something that you’re responsible for, think about how you can limit your involvement. If you’re required to bring dessert, don’t make it - buy it. That way you will save much needed time and energy for yourself and you may even help support a local business!
3. Create a budget. It’s so easy to spend money during the Christmas period but financial stress can severely affect mental health. If you plan your finances, your spending won’t come with guilt or anxiety. Think about cheaper alternatives to what you would usually do. Drink non-alcoholic beverages, dine in parks with a picnic, make your own presents or source them second hand.
4. Schedule self care. Self care is not selfish. It is an important investment. You need to ‘fill your cup’ before you can give to others. Go for a walk and listen to a favourite podcast. Have a bath with extra bubbles. Get your nails painted. Paint a picture. Binge watch some TV. Whatever makes you happy. Do it as regularly as you’re able. 
5. Exercise and eat well. It’s especially difficult to maintain a balanced diet and find time for exercise during the silly season. And many of us let our healthy habits slide during the lockdowns. But exercise and eating well do play a significant part in our mental health and general wellbeing. 

• Find a fun way to fit in physical activity and invite a friend along to double as a catch up. Go for a swim in the ocean, consider a dance class or try a new challenge like rock climbing. 
• To make eating well something you feel motivated to do, plan your meals so that you don’t resort to unhealthy options. Try new recipes that excite you. Get your hands on all the fabulous fruits that are in season this month. Have veggie sticks and dip available at all times.

1. Avoid overindulging and practice mindfulness. Sugar, alcohol and other drugs are enjoyable in the moment but may end up leading to undesirable consequences for you. Be conscious about what you consume and consider mindful consumption. For example, if chocolate is your weakness, utilise all of your senses to enjoy the experience. See the shininess, smell the sweetness, feel the smoothness, hear the crack and taste the richness. After spending several minutes consuming one chocolate, you may find that you will have enjoyed it as much as you would have if you’d scoffed down five of them. Yet you won’t feel guilt and you won’t crash down from a sugar high later on.
2. Adjust your expectations. During the festive season, we’re bombarded by advertising that depicts happy, well groomed families, surrounded by mountains of food and towers of presents. This is not reality. And it is not something we should strive for. What is most important are relationships, and spending time with people we love. However, that being said, we can’t choose our family and Christmas day can often be filled with tension. Check your expectations and recognise that attitudes and behaviours won’t be different, just because it’s Christmas. In fact, it’s possible that some family members may be even more ‘stuck in their ways’ after lockdown. Be ready for it and plan how you will respond. Role playing conversations can be a good strategy so that you go into the day with confidence. 
3. Share your emotional and mental burdens. Don’t suffer in silence. Let people know how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Chat to friends, family members or a professional. Talking is a great way to release the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing. And the person you confide in may be able to offer a unique perspective or solution to the problems you are facing.

We hope you have a safe and peaceful holiday period!