Wellbeing tips for Christmas and summer
Looking out for others at Christmas
December is a busy time, but not everyone has someone to enjoy Christmas with. Here are some ideas of things you could do to help others that may be alone this Christmas.
1.Arrange a visit
Do you have family members or neighbours who will be alone? Can you offer them a seat at your Christmas table? Or can you pop in and visit at some point during the day or around the Christmas period? Even a cup of tea with a mince pie and a chat can have a positive impact.
2.Take the time to call
If you can’t physically be with a family member or friend, then call them instead. A simple phone call can make all the difference.
3. Help with their shopping
Pop around to your elderly neighbour and ask if you can take them out to the shops so that they can buy food or to get out of the house. Being alone can be a long day, with little to do.
4. Help with Christmas decorations
Many people living alone don’t bother to decorate the house but it can make a big difference and help lift their mood. Buy your neighbour a small tree or share decorations with them.
5. Attend a Christmas event at a local community centre or church
Some agencies need the help of volunteers to organise events and tea parties.
6. Offer to drive an older neighbour to an event
Encourage someone you know to get out and about to events over the festive season. By offering to drive them, it might be the nudge they need to overcome any anxiety, especially on Christmas Day when transport is limited.
Top tips to lower pre-Christmas stress
It’s the downhill to Christmas! While it’s the season to be jolly, it can also be a fa-la-la-la-la of stress, pressure, and conflict. Lack of time and money, workload/deadlines, shopping, travel, family stresses, feeling lonely can all send our anxiety levels skyrocketing. Here are 5 ways you can look after yourself…
- What’s causing you the most stress? Make a list.
- Ask yourself - will the world really end if it’s not done by Christmas?!
- Focus on what’s most important. Does it need to be done now, later, or not at all?
- Can the priority jobs be simplified? Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough
- Ask for help! - What matters most? Talk to whānau, friends and colleagues about what’s stressing you out.
- Re-evaluate Christmas traditions and focus on spending time with your loved ones and doing the things you love.
- Is money an issue? Set a budget and stick to it. Manage your kids’ gift expectations up front.
- What things are free/low cost? E.g. Homemade vouchers, propagate plants as gifts, use reusable bags/boxes as wrapping paper.
- Change it up completely! Try the great Xmas present steal or do something fun together instead of swapping gifts. If you’re in Fiordland, check out the Community Toy Swap (see details below).
- Simplify the food you make, turn a meal into a pot-luck or eat out. - Why’s giving such a great feeling? Giving your time is a great way to make a difference, meet people, learn new skills, get work experience, and feel good about yourself.
There are lots of ways to give back to your community and help those in need like donating gifts, volunteering, or inviting someone who’s on their own to your festivities. - What makes you feel good? Make time to look after yourself and others. Go for a walk, sit on the beach, have some fun…. Do keep an eye out for people who might need some extra support. If you’re feeling lonely, please reach out - help is always available.