The cacophony of Christmas propels us toward a single day in December. But the days following can seem very quiet.
The conversations we put off, the decisions we delayed, and the health issues we left for another day, are suddenly waiting for us.
And the challenge of managing the highs and lows can feel overwhelming.
Intereach’s Rob Phillips has worked with families throughout his career, supporting children and adults to tackle life’s challenges, build their personal resilience, and manage their mental health.
“After the excitement of the festive season, many people feel the weight of the world descend on their shoulders,” he said.
“The realities of work, bills, and other responsibilities come back into focus.
“For many people, it feels overwhelming. But there are steps we can all take now to manage the ups and downs for a smoother and safer transition into the New Year.”
Rob’s tips are as follows:
• Take time to look after yourself – do the things that bring you joy and comfort.
• Rest and relax – prioritise the actions that help you to maintain your health.
• Be mindful – plan for the days and weeks after Christmas.
• Manage your money – it can be tempting to overspend, but this brings added pressures when the credit card bill arrives. Set limits and do your best to stick to them.
• Pick your people – surround yourself with the people who support and encourage you.
• Reach out – if you are feeling lonely, reach out to someone you trust or call a support line.
• Get active – movement can boost your mood and enable you to take the next steps to support your health and wellbeing.
• Return to your routine – after the rush of festivities, the days can feel a little quiet. Establish a routine, set goals and work toward them.
• Be guided by your GP – if you need extra support to help you through, be proactive and reach out for support.
If you need support during the festive season, reach out to the services that can help you: Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 551 800), MensLine Australia (1300 789 978), 13YARN (13 92 76). You can also utilise the Beyond Blue Forums at https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/.
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