Luke Combs, one of my favorite Country Music artists, says “this is for you”.
You spent 2024 taking care of everyone else, but riddle this for me: Who looks after those who look after others?
You have a role to play in supporting employee mental health and wellbeing, both personally and professionally. As we close out the year, it’s important to take time for’recovery.’
Let’s be honest, not everyone loves the holiday season. Some of us dislike Christmas. It’s not socially acceptable. In the spirit of honesty I confess to being more in that category. I have to admit that Christmas is a trigger for my OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and GAD (generalised anxious disorder).
I am looking forward to Christmas because I can do it my way while being respectful of other people.
Christmas versus mental health
We are all exhausted by Christmas. Christmas is a stressful time for many people. The constant spending and socializing (it can be hard to be an introvert) plus the expectation of our family and friends are all factors.
Before you call me a Grinch, or think I’m surrounded by difficult people, let me assure you that neither of these things are true – I bear the entire responsibility.
Accepting that, I’ve put in place processes and tools to help me and I enjoy this period more each year.
Ask yourself if you are spending money on the holidays out of choice, compulsion, or fear.
I set boundaries well in advance and manage expectations. I also go to the Cornish Coast from the end December until the beginning of January, so I can recharge before the new year begins.
Now, I am looking forward to Christmas because I can do it my way while being respectful of other people.
Expectations have been set well in advance about ‘who will be going to whom’ and who is buying what.
I can also throw myself into the holidays, knowing that I will have a scheduled break to recover from.
Cost of living is a major stumbling block
Many people overspend at Christmas to keep up with their peers, meet the pressures from society to give gifts or just to “let it go” for a once-a-year.
Unfortunately, a once-a year splurge could take ten months to pay off – particularly in today’s economic climate.
Don’t underestimate the relationship between money and mental health. More money does not necessarily mean better mental health. It simply means more money and different challenges.
Ask yourself why you are spending money on the holidays. Is it out of choice, compulsion, or fear?
In my speaking coaching, I use a tool called “Cold Processes”. You take a ‘negative subject’ that is highly emotional, such as divorce, grief, or unhappiness, and then you look at what needs to be done, rather than the emotions.
Then we can see the situation more clearly, and if necessary, help to move things along.
What are my top tips to survive and thrive through Christmas?
- Imagine your perfect Christmas.
- Set boundaries so you can get as close as possible to your goal
- Manage expectations by communicating this to all parties involved as soon as possible.
- Schedule lots of “me time” if you think you’ll be using a lot of energy.
- We often try to please everyone by assuming what they want.
- Prepare a budget, and if necessary communicate with others if finances are a challenge – Be honest
- Prioritise the things that must be done over what you want to do.
- Be selfish – you count too! Don’t forget to put your oxygen mask first
- Take some time to look forward to 2025 and recharge your batteries.
- You have made it to 2024!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and prosperity in 2025!
