Cómo evitar el estrés en Navidad y Año Nuevo

Piense en lo que quiere

Take a deep breath and ask yourself what do you need from your Christmas break this year? What do your mind and body need to feel well?

Una vez que se haya tomado su tiempo para considerar lo que quiere de las vacaciones, puede que le resulte más fácil evitar decir automáticamente que sí a todas las invitaciones a eventos que le lleguen. Piensa en cómo te sientes y cuándo sería más beneficioso quedarte en casa.

"Notice when you feel you need to step away from stressful people and environments," says Evans. "There has never been a better time of year to go for a walk, even borrow a dog."

Tome nota de las afirmaciones "debería

Evans advises you to take notice if any 'should' messages come up - such as 'I should do this'.

"These statements are often about other people's needs and not our own," she says. "So it will be helpful to notice any sense of obligation you feel."

She explains that setting boundaries with time and people is essential to protect your energy. Always have an exit plan, a reason to leave early.

Establecer límites claros

A menudo nos sentimos presionados a ser anfitriones de Navidad porque ya lo hemos hecho antes. Sin embargo, es importante decir si no te apetece que venga gente a casa.

Si acabas cocinando la cena de Navidad para otras personas, puede ser útil establecer límites, como por ejemplo cuánto tiempo puede quedarse la gente. No tengas miedo de pedir a los invitados que traigan un plato o un plato para que tú no tengas tanto trabajo, o de pedirles que te ayuden a fregar los platos o a recoger.

Evita excederte con el alcohol

Many of us drink more over Christmas and the New Year, but this can have a serious effect on our mental health and wellbeing. It is advised not to drink more than 14 units a week and to spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week.

Catorce unidades equivalen a seis pintas de cerveza de graduación media o 10 vasos pequeños de vino. Si estás embarazada, debes evitar el alcohol por completo.

"Understand the effect alcohol and food consumption has on your mood and sleep," says Evans. "Alcohol is a depressant, so noticing its affect will help you make healthier decisions to stay well."

Diga no cuando lo necesite

Evans recommends to slow things down and pause before saying yes to things. Don't respond right away, but sleep on it and reflect if this is something you would like to do or feel under pressure to commit to.

She says: "The ability to say no is similar to flexing a muscle, so start today and get practising. A helpful phrase to use is I'm unable to do that - as there is no need to explain why, yet it's warmer than a straight no."

It might feel selfish, but it is important to prioritise your health and wellbeing around this time.

Obtener ayuda

If you are struggling with your mental health, whether it is stress, anxiety, depression or the loss of a loved one, it's important to seek help. Speak to your doctor or reach out to organisations such as the charity Cruse Bereavement Support. You can refer yourself for counselling on the NHS too.