News Release, 22 November 2002
It might be the season to be jolly, but Christmas causes anxiety and tension for many. Research has shown that 60 per cent of people in the UK find elements of Christmas stressful or depressing 1. The Mental Health Foundation's count down to Christmas destressing aims to put Yuletide relaxation at the top of everyone's Christmas list. By adopting a few simple self-help strategies you can replace humbug with Christmas cheer this festive season.
Dr Andrew McCulloch of the Mental Health Foundation says: "Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many, causing stress, anxiety and loneliness. It is important to look after your own mental health and reduce stress wherever possible."
Count down to Christmas destressing
In at number ten: Avoiding Debt
This year spending and personal debt is set to rise causing financial worry for many. Forecasts show that this year we will spend £862 each on presents 2 - up £150 from 1997. People can reduce the burden and stress of spending and debt at Christmas by making a budget and sticking to it. If you use credit cards, pay off your balance in the two or three months following Christmas. If you restrict payments to the minimum, you will end up paying lots of interest.
Up at nine: Shopping without dropping
Research has shown that on average people spend 15 hours looking for gifts over five trips, walking 20 miles of high street and spending two hours queuing. If you don't want to get retail rage this year start shopping early and plan ahead. Take a day off work when the shops are quiet, and blitz your Christmas shopping list in one go. But remember to treat yourself at the end of it. Book yourself in for a foot massage, pick up a video on the way home and put your feet up and relax when you get in.
Staying put at eight: Watch out for the spirit of Christmas
Alcohol is a major depressant and a risk factor for a range of physical and mental health problems. This year try and monitor how much you drink. Stick to sensible drinking guidelines, which are 21 units a week for a man and 14 units for a woman. Also drink a glass of water after every glass of alcohol, and sip rather than gulp your Christmas tipple. Try to have at least one alcohol free day each week.
Not so lucky seven: Don't be lonely this Christmas
Research shows that one in ten people will be lonely at Christmas 3. If you don't want to be alone, try to contact someone who is also on their own and plan to meet up. Phone a friend or arrange to meet up with one – social interaction could lift your mood and make you feel festive. Or you can arrange to do some volunteering over Christmas. You'll meet people while giving up your time for a good cause.
Down to six: Commercial Christmas
If you're fed up with the commercial nature of Christmas, why not pop down to your local place of worship for an uplifting spiritual event. Research by the Mental Health Foundation highlights the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs in the lives of people with experience of mental and emotional distress. A recent study showed that 83 per cent of people with mental health problems surveyed felt that spiritual belief had a positive impact on their health, through fostering feeling of comfort, being cared for and not being alone. If you are not religious, find a local carol concert because it can be good fun to have a singsong at Christmas.
Stuck in a rut at five: Family Relationships
Seeing family at Christmas can be a special and joyful occasion, but for some families tension and stress is never far beneath the surface. You can try to plan events; suggest non-competitive but fun and humorous games, or watch a comedy programme that everyone likes. But don't feel responsible for everyone else's enjoyment.
Weighed down at four: Over Indulgence
We're all tempted to overeat at Christmas, so it's a good time to start taking some exercise. Exercise is a natural anti-depressant – try a Boxing Day walk for starters.
New at three: Television Tantrums
Either everyone wants to watch different programmes or someone wants it off. The television at Christmas is a mine of entertainment gems, but can be a source of tension. Try and plan what people want to watch and have the video and a spare tape ready for any disagreements. Also if you are telly addicts, be careful you don't forget to speak to each other as well.
No change at two: Get out of the Kitchen
Don't get saddled with all the work this year. Invite family members into the kitchen to bake the mince pies or Christmas cake, it can be a fun social activity. It might be wise to plan ahead and make Christmas foods in advance and freeze them so you can enjoy Christmas day outside the kitchen.
This year's number one: Making Time for Yourself
Christmas is a time of giving so give yourself some time off from worry and stress. Research has shown that complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture and essential oils are great at inducing relaxation. If you want something cheap and effective to ease your worries, try meditation: take yourself off to a quiet room, sit down on the floor, close your eyes, breath deeply and on every out breath say the word ‘relax.' Meditating can help keep you stress-free, happy and full of energy for the festive season. There are many other ways to relax on your own – you can go for a walk, listen to music, do something creative such as writing, or call a friend who you haven't spoken to for a long time
Return to news releases 2002
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
