Wellbeing in the festive season

White curve
Wellbeing in the festive season

Ways to look after your mental wellbeing this Christmas

Christmas, New Year and the festive season can be a wonderful time of celebration and connection with people we love. For some of us, it can also be stressful and trigger difficult feelings. Here are a few things for you to do to look after your mental wellbeing at this time of year:

Take part in our Advent of Kindness 2022

In this challenging year, we have put together 25 ideas to bring a little more kindness into the world in the run-up to Christmas for both your own mental wellbeing and that of others. There is one for adults and one for children so download your printable copy here:

Adult Advent of Kindness

Children Advent of Kindness

If you are taking part we would love to see some photos online so do tag us on social media using the hashtag #AdventOfKindness2022.

 

Follow our six tips to wellbeing at Christmas

woman walking with pram

woman walking with pram

 

Stay active: Physical activity can really help with keeping your mood positive – whether you like walking, cycling, playing football...

Not feeling festive? That’s okay! There can be all sorts of reasons why some of us don’t feel festive. It’s okay to feel how you feel – you’re not the only one!

dogs sleeping on bed

dogs sleeping on bed

 

Get enough sleep: Sleep is vital for our wellbeing. Try not to skimp on it – even on Christmas Eve!

Give yourself space: If it’s all getting a bit hectic, take time out to be in nature, listen to your favourite music, read an uplifting book – or just be in the moment.

healthy lunch on wooden board

healthy lunch on wooden board

 

Aim for regular meals: Keeping a healthy routine, with plenty of water, fruit, veg if you can, will help keep stress at bay. Try whatever's realistic for you and be kind to yourself if you have 'off' days. 

Stay supported: It’s easy to feel lonely at Christmas when we’re bombarded with images of happy families. Stay connected to your sources of support and if you’re not sure where to turn, we've listed some useful organisations:

Support with mental health

Resources

Resource

Asking for help (adult)

When it’s time to talk about your mental health.

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Resource

Asking for help (young person)

A simple guide for young people to help talk about their feelings.

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Resource

Coronavirus: guide for line managers

A guide to help employers support staff mental health during Covid-19.

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Resource

Coronavirus: Quick tips for Line Managers

Tips to help line managers protect their staff’s mental health when working from home

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Resource

CREATE a university mental health strategy

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for University

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Resource

Depression booklet

Featuring useful facts, figures and information, this booklet also contains sources of help and what not to say to people experiencing depression

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Resource

Five Ways to Wellbeing posters

Seven page poster pack - one for each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, give, learn, be active, take notice. Plus two all-in-one posters.

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Resource

Guide to depression for parents and carers

This booklet aims to help recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Resource

Guide to depression for parents and carers (Welsh)

This booklet aims to help parents recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Resource

Life after lockdown Wellbeing Action Plan

During the coronavirus pandemic, we have all been through enormous change and some of us may experience further uncertainty and change in the coming weeks and months

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Resource

Life at university (A4 poster)

A4 poster with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Life at university (A6 postcard)

A6 postcard with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Low mood poster

Poster created in partnership with Bank Workers Charity highlighting common causes of low mood, how to help yourself feel better and information on where to get more help.

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Resource

Making the move to university: care leavers

Read how to look after your mental health if you are starting university after being in care.

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Resource

Making the move to university: international students

Moving to university is especially tough for those who are coming from another country. Don't forget to make sure you prioritise your mental health, and read how to do so here.

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Resource

Making the move to university: LGBTQ+ students

Read our resource on how you can best take care of your mental health when making the transition to university if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Resource

Making the move to university: not fitting in

Read our guide on how to protect your wellbeing if you are starting university and feel like you may not fit in in any way.

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Resource

Making the move to university: students with adverse childhood experiences

Resource for those starting university who have had adverse childhood experiences such as trauma or abuse.

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Resource

Making the move to university: young carers

Read how to access support and prioritise your mental health while transitioning to university as a young carer.

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Resource

Patent and trade mark professionals

Protecting your mental health and wellbeing: A guide for patent and trade mark professionals

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Resource

Perfectionism

Aiming high can sometimes come at a cost. This eight page guide looks at ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ – how to spot it and advice on how to develop effective interventions.

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Resource

Schools' mental health policy template

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for Schools 

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Resource

Supervision in education

Ten top tips for setting up staff supervision groups in schools

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Resource

Taking care of your mental health for occupational health practitioners

This resource for occupational health practitioners suggests ways for you to take time out of your day to focus on yourself in order to stay healthy and stress-free.

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Resource

Top Tips For Students

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health.

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Resource

Warning signs poster

A bold A3 poster showing the warning signs that tell you when someone may be depressed. This poster could save a life.

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (child)

A simple, resource to help young people keep themselves well and get them through difficult times

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (young person)

Our new Wellbeing Action Plan is for all young people attending sixth form or college.

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Resource

Wellbeing Activities

Activity sheets on the five ways to wellbeing.

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Resource

Wellbeing Journal

A simple, journal to help young people think about and write down the things which make them feel good.

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Resource

Work from home wellbeing action plan

This is a personalised, practical tool that we can all use whether or not we have a mental health issue. There are sections for you to complete, including a positive daily plan.

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Resource

Five ways to wellbeing bookmark

Our bookmark features the five ways to wellbeing and some helpful techniques for when you’re feeling a bit worried. Use it as a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind.

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Resource

Five ways to wellbeing bookmark for children

Our bookmark for children features the five ways to wellbeing and helpful techniques for when you’re feeling worried. It’s a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind!

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