Tips for looking after yourself this Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and while it can be a joyful time, it is also okay to find the festive season tough. During this time of year there are steps you can take to help life feel less overwhelming and to look after yourself.  

Our 12 Christmas wellbeing tips offer ways to reduce stress and manage your mental and physical health in the weeks ahead.  

1. Connect  

You don’t have to be alone at Christmas to feel lonely. Sometimes you can struggle to connect with close friends and family. It can help to be with others who feel the same. And there are lots of groups that still meet over the holidays. Find them here. 

2. Breathe 

Take a deep breath. In for 4 counts and out for 6. Now repeat. How do you feel? Remember to take time out when you feel you need to.  

3. Move more  

Over the holidays it’s very easy for our normal routines to go out the window. However, we know how important physical activity is for wellbeing. Moving just a few minutes a day can be enough. What are you waiting for? 

Having a chat with someone who will really listen can make a huge difference when you are struggling.

4. Talk  

Having a chat with someone who will really listen can make a huge difference when you are struggling. Find space to open up about whatever is on your mind over the holidays and see how talking about it can help you feel better. 

5. Downtime 

Does the festive season feel overwhelming? Us too. That’s why scheduling in regular pockets of downtime can stop the stress in its tracks. Watching a movie, a gaming session with mates or taking a nap, can all help you to recharge. 

6. Get out

It may be cold out there but 70% of adults said that getting out in nature improved their mood* Plus a walk is the perfect excuse to get an hour’s peace from the festivities. 

7. Sit down 

Amongst the hustle and bustle, small things can make a big difference. Take a few minutes to take stock on one of the support benches situated around Somerset. Listen or read the county’s Letter of Hope or scan the QR code for mental health resources. There are benches located in the Sensory Garden in Vivary Park, Taunton, the foyers of Taunton and Bridgwater Libraries and in Cranleigh Gardens, Bridgwater just past the play area and tennis court. In Yeovil a plaque has just been fitted to a bench on Penn Hill, part of Ninesprings Country Park.

8. Think local  

Christmas is a great time to turn up to a local group and see what it has to offer. Visit our interactive map of what is going on in your area. From men’s sheds to walking football, chatting to kickboxing, there’s plenty to do. 

9. Read 

Three quarters of people say reading has a positive impact on their mental health**. Why not try one of these books that include life-changing advice and real stories from men? 

• Make Change That Lasts, Dr Rangan Chatterjee 

• Sort Your Head Out, Sam Delaney 

• Hardest Geezer, Russ Cook 

• Comfort in Darkness, Rickson Gracie 

Everything feeling a bit too much? Crisis Safe Space is an out of hours service for anyone really struggling with their mental health.

10. Support

Everything feeling a bit too much? Crisis Safe Space is an out of hours service for anyone really struggling with their mental health. You can arrange a 121 session either in person or virtually where you will be listened to and helped. Call 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. 

11. Listen 

Many podcasts drop special episodes for the festive season, so take some time out to listen and relax. Some of our favourites are: 

• Stompcast 

• The Minimalists  

• Huberman Lab 

• Wolf & Owl 

• Feel Better, Live More 

12. Call 

Mindline Somerset is there to listen every day over the Christmas period. Yes, even on Christmas Day! Call 01823 276892 or Freephone 0800 1381692. 

* *How connecting with nature benefits our mental health, Mental Health Foundation, 2021 

** *Research by reading charity The Reader, August 2022 

How can Stepladder help? 

The Stepladder project has provided funding for numerous initiatives in Somerset through its Winston Innovation Fund, facilitating the establishment and launch of activities and groups aimed at supporting men’s wellbeing and fostering connections with like-minded individuals. 

Visit our interactive map full of groups and activities across Somerset to get those conversations going with the right people.