This might be the last post of 2020 for me (maybe) so here’s my season’s greetings for you – the mental health edition.
This time of the year can be very happy and bright for some people and very dark and difficult for others. As we head into this time of festivities it’s important that we remain mindful of our own mental health, whether you experience this time as hard or you’ve been looking forward to Christmas since June.
Please say NO
This time of the year, we are expected to attend lots of (virtual now) events and spend time with our families. Although this can be a wonderful way to end the year and reconnect with your loved ones, it can be really exhausting.
Especially this year, some of us (hello) got used to spending more time on our own, slowing down and have had limited contact with people. It can be overwhelming to go from this to seeing lots of people in a short period of time.
Take time to tune in with yourself before agreeing to that Zoom party or that walk in the park – do you want to go? If it’s a resounding yes, then go for it! If you sense some doubt, maybe it’s not the best thing for you.
Also, I am here to tell you that you are allowed to change your mind. Maybe you felt like attending a Zoom call last week, but now you’re PMSing hard and the last thing you want to do it pretend to be happy – PLEASE say no!
It’s all cyclical
In the past, this time of the year was for slowing down, keeping warm and finding ways to bring light and care into one’s life. It was a time to set intentions, as the long nights start to shorten after the 21st of December.
Even though in our modern society we might not be as in touch with the natural cycles of the Earth as we used to be, it doesn’t mean that we don’t feel the effects of shorter and colder days.
Why not take this time to take stock, find a new self-care ritual and set some intentions for the next year?
You’re not alone
Finally, even though it might seem that the world is going on a break for a couple of weeks, you’re not alone. There are lots of mental health organisations and services that remain open over the festivities and many therapists are re-thinking when they take breaks.
You can call the Samaritans if you need someone to talk to and there are more useful contact here.
Season’s greetings and happy festivities to all of you!