This is part of a helpful series of weekly articles and stories on Mental Wellbeing presented by Suzie Baird and Tricia Hendry to help the Church build our knowledge, understanding, and skills to strengthen our communities.
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Some practical ways for looking after your own mental health well over Christmas and the holiday time.

Your mental health matters 365 days of every year. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy this festive season – and be better able to enter 2021 positively.

1. Don’t strive for impossible perfection – it’s that the annoying gap between our own Christmas expectations and reality that causes us so much disappointment and stress, so lighten up on those expectations!

2. Build in some slow time – try and pace yourself and make some ‘non-rush or worry’ moments happen throughout each day.

3. Take 10-12 slow, deep belly breaths – don’t rush them and just let them slow you down by sending your brain the instruction to “relax!”

4. Make room for some basic God-given stress busters – eat in healthy ways, drink plenty of water, rest and sleep well, do some exercise, and spend time outside in God’s creation.

5. Carve out time for yourself each day – use some moments to do things that can bring you joy, lift your spirit, and rejuvenate you.

6. Set some personal boundaries – celebrating Christmas doesn’t mean you must say “yes” to everyone about everything, so say yes or no as you need to and stand by your boundaries, so you can manage things in a way that is not overwhelming.

7. Remember it’s okay to feel your feelings – for many, Christmas can be a demanding mix of pain, difficult memories, and joy, so expect a wide range of emotions and use the support of people you know if you need to talk, or a hug.

8. Connect in with those important to you – if possible, spend some quality uninterrupted time with them, even it is via technology.

9. Make room for the One at the centre of Christmas – remember the why behind Christmas celebrations and be encouraged that God’s unconditional, faithful love for you means He gifts Jesus to you every single day.

10. Be grateful – reflect on the things you are grateful for. Always keep in mind that God made you and knows you well. He loves you absolutely. Ask him for what you need this Christmas. Maybe the words of this psalm might remind you that when God made you, he made someone wonderful…

Psalm 139:13-15

You shaped me first inside, then out. You formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvellously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.

 Next week we will look at ways we can support the mental health and wellbeing of others over this time. But after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So prioritise your own self-care so you’re in the best position to both enjoy Christmas and to help others enjoy it too.

 By Tricia Hendry

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Suzie Baird is a mental health advocate. She has lived experience of mental distress that helps her to support others and educate those wanting to understand more. She attends Lyall Bay Community Church, an Anglican pioneer mission unit.

Tricia Hendry is a writer and educator specialising in issues relating the mental health and resilience. She has many years’ experience supporting others through mental health and trauma challenges. She attends All Saints, Hataitai.