The 12 Days of Christmas Survival

How to look after your health and wellbeing in the run up to the festive season

Think of others. It’s all too easy to get swept up in our own dramas at Christmas time, but spare a thought for others. Some people will be alone this Christmas, just about managing on foodbanks or sleeping rough on freezing cold street.

According to the Mental Health Foundation doing good does us good.

Altruism can make us feel good and gain a better sense of belonging. It also helps us to put things into perspective and can reduce our stress levels.

As stated in Psychology Today generosity and giving enhances our sense of gratitude, creating a positive, upward spiral of wellbeing.
Loneliness effects our health in much the same way as smoking or obesity. The Jo Cox Foundation has called it a social epidemic
Think about how you could help others this Christmas. Do you have a neighbour living alone that you could visit? Can you spare a few hours to volunteer over the festive period? Charities like Crisis are always looking for volunteers at Christmas.
To drive home the importance of social contact watch this clip from Age UK and see if you can spare some time to connect with older people this Christmas.