Keeping a positive mindset this Christmas

With the festive season among us and Christmas approaching, it can be both an exciting and daunting time.

For some it can be a time of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. This year, with many family and friends still separated by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Mentally Healthy WA and Act Belong Commit are partnering up to is encourage us to reach out and support one another during these holidays.

The team at Act Belong Commit have prepared 12 Festive Wellbeing Tips to help people to stay mentally healthy this festive season:

Give kindness over gifts—Small things matter and can make a big difference in someone’s day. Write a kind note, stay calm on the road and within crowds, offer to help if you can. Start a new tradition—Connect with your friends, family, or neighbours for a game of cricket or put on a picnic with Christmas leftovers. Celebrate virtually—If you can’t gather at Grandmas’ house, set up your computer or phone and be with each other virtually. Get creative with it! Set up a Zoom games night, or have beer and wine tastings through the screen, host a talent show, or even prepare a meal together. Stay active—During the silly season we often overlook our physical health. Take time to go for a walk, bike ride or get out in the garden. Reconnect with family and friends—Make a call to someone you haven’t seen in ages. Reach out to neighbour or friend who may be alone this Christmas. Giving feels good—Make a difference by organising a charity collection with your family or workplace. Contact a local charity to find out what’s needed this year. Make time for you—Don’t forget to reconnect with yourself during the busy holiday period. Do something relaxing or practice mindfulness in any way that feels best for you. Try some yoga or schedule time out to read a book. Plan for the future—Reflect on the year so far and think about how you can prioritise your mental health and wellbeing in 2022. Try something new—Challenge yourself this festive season. Learn a new card game or tackle a puzzle with your family and friends. Focus on what you can control—Limit your time dwelling on what you can’t control. If you can’t be with loved ones this holiday season, plan to do something you can control—set up a zoom or teams invite or pick up the phone. Spend time in nature—Connecting with nature has fantastic mental health and wellbeing benefits. Get outside as much as you can this festive season to appreciate the fresh air and wonders of nature. Make Act Belong Commit your motto for 2022—Being active, having a sense of belonging and having a purpose in life all contribute to good mental health and wellbeing.

If you need support with your mental health, there are many resources and organisations you can refer to. Browse our directory of services including helplines, websites, mental health organisations and government mental health information. Learn more here.