5 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health at Christmas
By Saajid Alad |
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it’s not always that straightforward. Whilst Christmas is known as a time for joy and family, that isn’t necessarily everyone’s reality. And with those darker nights and frosty temperatures, it’s really important to look after your mental health during the festive season.
The best Christmas present you can give yourself this year is self-care. So, if you’re wondering what small changes you can make during the 12 days of Christmas to look after your wellness, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you out. Find out how to care for your mental health at Christmas here.
Get Your Recommended Hours of Sleep
Waking up to dark mornings can be quite the adjustment during the autumn and winter months. It’s easy to feel like no amount of sleep is ever enough when you’re getting ready for work in the pitch black, which is why it’s so important to get those all-important hours in to best energise yourself for the day ahead. Experts recommend getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every single night, which can feel like quite a big ask!
If you’re more of a night owl and struggle to call it a night at a sensible hour, you may benefit from valerian for sleep. Our Diso Sleep dissolvable vitamins make use of natural ingredients to help you relax into a deep sleep at bed time.
Take Vitamin D Supplements
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects a ton of people across the nation every single year. So, if you notice a shift in mood as the days get shorter, know that you’re not alone. Sunlight provides our bodies with a whole load of Vitamin D, which can positively impact our moods and regulate our serotonin and melatonin levels.
Let’s say you’re sitting in an office or warehouse between the hours of 9 and 5; you’re completely missing out on those valuable properties that sunlight offers, which is why it’s so important to take a Vitamin D3 supplement!
Stay Active
With the dark and chilly days in mind, it’s difficult to find the energy and motivation to squeeze exercise into your daily routine. We know, we know. You’re probably tired of hearing how exercising can boost your mental health - but it’s true! Not only can getting an hour of exercise make you feel accomplished, but it literally releases feel-good endorphins into your body!
If you’re knackered after a full day's work, we get it. But have you ever considered taking supplements with Vitamin E and caffeine to provide you with that extra kick of energy? Our Diso Energy supplements are the perfect boost to see your workout through til the end!
Make Time For Hobbies
Christmas is an undeniably hectic period. Between last-minute gift shopping, putting the tree up and getting together all the ingredients for your Christmas dinner, it’s hard to find time for yourself. Despite this, it’s important not to sacrifice your personal hobbies for the often unnecessary pressures of the Christmas season. Regardless of how organised you are, be sure to put time aside for yourself.
Whether it’s catching a film on the weekend or getting a run in with the dog, don’t let your festive responsibilities get in the way of living your life!
Reach Out
Possibly, the most important piece of advice we can offer when it comes to looking after your mental health at Christmas is to reach out. For many people, Christmas can sadly be a truly lonely and isolating time, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Communication is one of the most therapeutic ways to address your problems and can often lessen the burden on your shoulders.
Whether you ask a friend, family member, colleague, or even an organisation like The Mental Health Foundation, know that there is always someone to support you through difficult times. So, organise that coffee date, attend your work’s Christmas party, and catch up with neighbours on your way out of the house - a little chit-chat can go a long way!