Christmas - A Time to Mind Ourselves

While Christmas is known as the season of goodwill spreading cheer and happiness, it also can be one of the most stressful periods in the year. It is really important to take time to look after ourselves. Something as simple as going out into the garden, breathing deeply, even taking an extra 5 minutes in the bathroom to gather your thoughts before going back to join the hubbub can help to destress you, here are some more suggestions:

• Look after yourself first
  
• Plan ahead
  
• Ask for help - delegate
  
• Go with the flow - accept things may go wrong
  
• Try and see the funny side of things, remember to laugh
  
• Walk - did you know walking has a tranquillising effect on the brain? 
  
• So what if dinner is a few minutes late to the table - enjoy the moment
  
• If old customs or traditions are making you too sad, maybe it is time to create new traditions
  
• Go tech free for a few hours
  
• Light a citrus candle - or just inhale the aroma from an orange - did you know research suggests that citrus fragrances boosts feelings of well-being and help alleviate stress? Dab some lemon /  orange juice or oil onto a tissue and carry it in your pocket - emergency rescue!  

Some additional suggestions can be found in this article on TheJournal.ie 

​If you still feel events, situations are getting too fraught and you need that extra bit of support, here are some emergency numbers: 

If you’re feeling low and need to speak to someone, contact: 

• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (At hand 24/7)
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
• Pieta House 1800 247247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

Mental Health Ireland ​www.mentalhealthireland.ie have some advice on their website for handling Christmas stresses.