Coping With Xmas: Racing Assist
December 12, 2018
Industry
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Industry
Coping With Xmas: Racing Assist
12 December, 2018
Industry
I
INDUSTRY
For many people, the festive season is a jolly time to connect with others and celebrate the year. But financial issues, work pressures, family conflict and loneliness can increase stress for people (particularly those dealing with anxiety or depression) in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.
If you’re feeling alone or lonely, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone. Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about what’s going on but it could be as simple as sending a text, a message on social media, inviting someone over for a cuppa or making a phone call.
Racing Assist for RWWA licenced participants is an avenue you can use to talk to someone about what you’re feeling or going through. It offers you access to a free, independent and confidential psychological support service anytime and anywhere. Please call 1300 307 912 at any time and you will be scheduled with a face-to-face or telephone appointment. Racing Assist is here to provide confidential free support to you!
Website – racingassist.com.au
Here are some additional festive management strategies to help you deal with the holiday season.
1. Plan ahead: As the end of the year fast approaches, it’s OK to feel overwhelmed or a little burnt out. So be kind to yourself when you’re planning what you will do and do things you enjoy! Christmas can be a difficult day, but it’s what you make it. Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. Remember to stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you cope with Christmas stress.
2. Change your expectations: Being invited to social events and the pressure of living up to expectations can increase stress for people with a mental health condition. Some people also might start putting too much pressure on themselves about what they should buy or do for others. Others might dread catching up with family because it may end in conflict. You have a choice in how you spend your holiday season. It may be that you simply need to change your expectations for the day; change Christmas to meet your needs and spend time with people who are supportive.
3. Manage conflict: Christmas can be stressful if there’s tension between your family or friends or an unrealistic expectation to just ‘put on a smile’. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, try to be as understanding as you can of other people’s situations; most people are under stress to some degree too. Things to think about include putting the kids first. If you have children, consider putting aside ongoing adult conflicts in their interest. Think about Christmas as a day for the kids and focus on enabling their happiness. Drink in moderation. It may be tempting to drink too much during the festive period, but alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. Alcohol may be a problem if you’re drinking to cope. And avoid known triggers. If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.
4. Be financially festive: The gifts, food and expectations can all start to add up. If you’re not able to spend money comfortably, then don’t… this will only add to stress in the New Year. Instead do something meaningful for others and give gifts such as a handpicked care package, a babysitting voucher or offer to help with the huge pile of dishes after Christmas lunch. Find low cost ways to have fun. Don’t let money cut you off from your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktail catch-ups, organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food.
5. Give back: Volunteering is a great way to boost self-esteem and support people who may be going through a difficult time – or if you don’t want to be on your own. You could serve a meal at a community centre, take gifts to a children’s hospital or visit people at a nursing home. Some councils may also offer a community Christmas party you can join. There are also other ways to give a gift that keeps on giving; donate to a charity, collect old nick nacks, books or clothes and give them to an op shop or start a conversation with a stranger or neighbour – it could be just the thing you both need to get in the holiday spirit.
6. Reflect and set goals: You can choose to forget the year altogether or take the opportunity to look back on your journey and celebrate your achievements, regardless how small they may seem. As you plan for the year ahead, try to come up with positive and achievable goals that contribute to making you feel positive, healthy and fulfilled and give you a great sense of achievement. It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions but sticking to them is the difficult part. A good place to start is to jot down all the positive things you experienced and activities that made you feel good over the year. Focus on the things that build your confidence and bring you one step closer towards better mental health
7. Stay in the present: Being mindful can be an effective way to cope with holiday stress. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try to bring yourself back to where you are, slow your breathing down or try a progressive muscle relaxation exercise. Incorporating breathing and relaxation exercises, practising mindfulness or yoga are great coping strategies to manage emotions that may get stirred up around this time of year. Most of these activities you can do almost anywhere and for little or no cost; if you download them ahead of Christmas, or download the Smiling Mind app, they’re right there in your pocket for when you need to find a sense of peace and calm among the chaos.
24 hour emergency HELP numbers are also available
LIFELINE https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 13 11 14
SANE https://www.sane.org/ 1800 18 SANE (7263)
SUICIDE PREVENTION https://www.suicideline.org.au/ 1300 651 251
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