Christmas can be lovely. a time to recharge and relax, spend time with important people and celebrate. However - it is just another day. It is easy to become overwhelmed with pressure so over this period, more than ever, it is important to look after your mental wellbeing and be wary of your mental load.
Here we talk about what's really important at this time of year.
The best present
The best present money can't buy is your presence. For your kids, friends and family, this is the only present that's important. In the age of social media, it's very easy to compare ourselves to others. But nobody remembers the presents they unwrapped a year ago, and most likely they're in the back of a cupboard - what is remembered for years is the time spent together.
Don't compare
Films, TV and adverts will try to tell us what the perfect Christmas looks like, and when ours doesn't look the same, it's easy to be hard on ourselves. Every Christmas is different, whether you spend it alone with extended family, eat turkey or a takeaway - there is no such thing as the perfect Christmas.
Be kind to yourself, take time out and remind yourself it won't last forever.
Set boundaries
It is more than okay to prioritise your mental health over any social engagement. Set clear boundaries and stick to them. Your wellbeing is more important than any social engagement.