Top 10 tips to manage Christmas
Sharing their lived experience of keeping emotionally well at Christmas, the students and volunteers at the Nottingham Recovery College have co-produced these top 10 tips to manage Christmas.
1. Have a plan and set boundaries
Try to plan who you’re going to visit, buy gifts for etc. Set boundaries between yourself and your family/friends in terms of commitment. Try and put a ‘wellness plan’ in place over the Christmas period in case you need it.
2. Avoid Christmas busyness
The lead up to Christmas seems to make EVERYWHERE busy. If a busy environment is a trigger for you, avoid places that are likely to be busy – for example a busy high street or Christmas market.
3. Don’t compare your Christmas to others
Choose the Christmas YOU want to have. Try not to compare your Christmas to other people's. If you want to be alone or do nothing, then that’s okay too.
4. Keep your routine in the lead up to Christmas
It is important to still make time for yourself at Christmas, so sticking to your normal routine allows you to do this. Don’t feel pressured to over-commit to anything if this gets in the way of your daily routine. Also, keep to your usual routine with medications and, where possible, treatments.
5. Create a budget – don’t get into debt
Check how much money you already have to spend on Christmas. Think about what you need to buy (if anything), set a budget for each item and stick to this budget. Try not to borrow money – if you do, try and use comparison websites that will offer you the best deals etc.
6. Be sure to pay any bills before buying Christmas gifts
Bills above all else at Christmas should be paid first, before spending any money on unessential items. It is useful to save money throughout the year that is purely for Christmas funds. That way, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to manage Christmas AND bills all at once.
7. Get creative – make your own cards or gifts
You can buy lots of craft items from Ebay, craft markets, charity shops and get the creative juices flowing. Often people prefer a homemade card/gift.
8. Drink sensibly
Alcohol is a huge part of Christmas, but can often make us feel worse if we drink too much. Also remember not to combine alcohol and medication.
9. Try not to overeat/ try and keep your diet balanced
Try not to over-indulge on sugary and fatty foods over this period. These foods can greatly impact our moods by causing our energy levels to peak fast and crash just as fast.
10. Shop around – charity shops, second hand on Ebay, Gumtree etc
You will often find things cheaper in other shops or online other than the high street. If you see something you wish to buy, shop around first before purchasing. You don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds, and often charity shops are full of great finds. You might want to consider sales and getting better value for money.
Finally we would like to wish you a safe, healthy and happy Christmas.
