News Release, 29 September 2005
The mental health charity today releases the results of its survey, which reveals what people up and down the country feel about Christmas. The Mental Health Foundation suggests five simple self-help strategies to make Christmas as enjoyable as possible.
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says,
“Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many, causing stress, anxiety and for some, loneliness. Some people get worked up about the festive season before it even arrives. It is important to look after your own mental health and reduce stress wherever possible.”
1. Sip alcohol
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.
2. Stretch those legs
We’re all tempted to indulge at Christmas, so it’s a good time to burn off some of those calories by doing some exercise. Exercise is proven to be a natural anti-depressant – go on a walk or bike ride to blow away the cobwebs. And getting out of the house will give you a break from relatives!
3. Eat a balanced diet
A growing body of research shows direct links between what we eat and how we feel. A balanced diet including as many fresh foods as possible is the best way to stay on an even keel this Christmas. While puddings and cakes are delicious, be sure to get your fix of fruit and vegetables. Avoid big sugar rushes if you can!
4. Save pennies
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.
5. Soothe away stress
Make some time for ‘you’ and buy yourself a present! Research has shown that complementary therapies such as massage and acupuncture are great for relaxation, so try and book yourself an hour session. Other ways to relax might be listening to music, calling a friend who you haven’t spoken to for a long time or spending time with a pet. Evidence shows that spending time with animals can be therapeutic for people with depression.
Survey Results
Regional Differences
People in the South East are the biggest fans of Christmas (71 per cent) while those in the South West find family tensions the worst thing about the festive period (62 per cent).
Those in the Midlands think that receiving presents is the best thing about Christmas (73 per cent) while Londoners like getting away from work at Christmas time (72 per cent) but dislike playing host to guests (91 per cent).
People in Northern Ireland say that spending time with their families is the best thing about Christmas (75 per cent) while Scots find it lonelier than others in the UK (45 per cent).
The Welsh rate shopping for presents as the top Christmas annoyance (92 per cent) which might explain why they are the biggest drinkers in the UK, rating an alcoholic drink as the best way to relax (75 per cent).
Those in the North East dislike travelling to visit relatives (84 per cent) while people in the North West find the television schedules the worst thing about the festive season (90 per cent).
Gender Differences
Men in the UK find Christmas…
- More relaxing than women (men 39 per cent, women 31 per cent)
- Less exciting than women (men 21 per cent, women 35 per cent)
Women in the UK find Christmas…
- More stressful than men (women 46 per cent, men 37 per cent)
- More tiring than men (women 41 per cent, men 31 per cent)
Ends
Return to news releases 2005
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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