Festive Season

As much as many people enjoy the festive season, many do not. They may feel overwhelmed trying to produce the 'perfect' celebration; they may feel pressured into spending money they do not have; they may be missing and grieving loved ones; they may be lonely; they may feel forced into a jollity they do not share.

In amongst all the tinsel and the razzmatazz, it's worth reflecting on our mental health and how it may be maintained in good working order. Here are a few pointers:

• Healthy relationships are important. Connections with people who really appear to 'get' us. Listening and being listened to. Loving and feeling loved. Negotiating some give and take.
• A healthy life-style - diet, exercise.
• A connection with the natural world. Get out, breathe the air, notice the way the landscape honours the turning of the year.
• Taking time out for ourselves to do something we really enjoy.
• Nourishing our creativity: writing, singing, making art, gardening.... It doesn't matter if we're not great at it, these types of activities are flow activities, taking us away from the every day.
• Don't over-indulge. Binging on drink or food may soften pain for a short while, but they leave a nasty hangover.

Bearing these ideas in mind could be enough to support us so we can tramp happily through the next few weeks. However, for a lot of us it helps to have another person to explore our life's journey with. If so, a trained counsellor or psychotherapist may be the answer. They can be a sounding board, allowing us to discover our true wants and desires and a way forwards when life is challenging.

If you're interested, go to our list of qualified and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists to find out more about what they have to offer.