Jade Finlay (M.A Research Psychology, B.A Hons. Counselling Psychology)
Christmas has for many people always been a time to spend with family and friend celebrating and enjoying one another’s company. This year however the implications of coronavirus mean that Christmas will look pretty different for many of us. It has been a challenge for people to navigate the world over this past year, faced with all the challenges of coronavirus. Stress and anxiety are known to be more prevalent during December and January; mental health problems (such as feelings of isolation and grief) usually intensify during this time of year. It is important for people to consider their wellbeing during this time as well as the wellbeing of others.
Self-care. Feel like you wish Christmas could just be cancelled? Feel really annoyed that Christmas isn’t going to be the same for you this year? Wish the world would just be back to normal already? All these thoughts and feelings are perfectly normal and ‘okay’ to experience; it is however important that you make sure you take care of yourself during this festive period. Whether it is taking a long bath to spend some on your own or going for a walk to connect with nature, make sure you look after yourself. Feeling glad some parts of Christmas are cancelled? Why not try and re-evaluate whether you could adapt these parts for next year to ensure Christmas is an enjoyable time of year for you.
Be Kind. Being kind to yourself equips you with the tools to be kind to others. Random acts of kindness or unexpected kindness can make a real impact this year. Don’t underestimate the impact of smiling at a stranger, or instead of taking your Christmas shopping infuriation out on a checkout staff member rather greet them with kindness. Remember the majority of the world has been impacted by coronavirus in one way or another and you have no idea what another person may be going through and the way you treat them may have an impact on their wellbeing. It is easy for us to get caught up in all the events and irritations occurring in our ‘own worlds’, I challenge you to try and be a little kinder in all your interactions with people.
Stay connected. Due to the current restrictions many people won’t be spending Christmas with their loved ones. Coronavirus has shown how people have remained connected with each other in a variety of creative ways, from zoom quizzes to socially distanced meetings in their front gardens. Remaining in contact with those who matter the most to you will have a positive influence on your wellbeing and theirs during this difficult festive period.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. The pressure to find the perfect gifts for loved ones often occurs during this time of year. If coronavirus has taught us anything, it is that situations can change momentarily and our priorities should reflect this. Buying the perfect gift is not the only way to show someone you care about them. Hoping for a perfect gift from someone? That’s okay, you’re human! Just try to remind yourself that many peoples situations have changed this year, some people have lost jobs or been furloughed and our focus needs to be a little less on the gifts we give and receive and more on the way we connect with the people that mean the most to us.
My hope for you this Christmas is that you find some enjoyment and appreciate the smaller things you have in your life to be grateful for. If you are struggling to manage your emotions on your own, reach out to friends, family or mental health care professionals. Merry Christmas!
Love and Light,
Jade Finlay
BACP Membership number: 00949780
BPS: 439225
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