For many people the Festive season is a time to relax, connect with family and friends and to celebrate. For others it can lead to extra stress, isolation and can cause people to feel overwhelmed.
We want to make sure you are looking after yourself throughout your holidays so you are happy, healthy and ready to join us in 2021 to achieve your goals.
Our friends at Beyond Blue have provided some handy tips about maintaining wellbeing over the holiday break…
Plan ahead - As the end of the year fast approaches, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or a little burnt out. Be kind to yourself when you’re planning what you will do. Christmas can be a difficult day, but it’s what you make it. If you’re going to spend Christmas alone – or with a pet – take your mind off things by making sure you allow plenty of time for the things you enjoy.
Budget - Christmas can be a time when we think ‘Ah well, Christmas comes just once a year’ and as a result we often splash out on expensive gifts that we really cannot afford. Try to avoid the January credit card or debt nightmares by budgeting in advance how much you have to spend.
Manage conflict - It 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. Remind yourself it is okay to say no, it is okay to have a break, and it is okay to.
Moderate Alcohol - Christmas can often be a time when you find yourself drinking a lot of alcohol and/or being encouraged to drink a lot of alcohol. Set specific limits that you are comfortable with and stick to them.
Relaxation - Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga can help you initiate your body’s relaxation response. When practiced regularly, these activities lead to a reduction in your everyday stress levels and a boost in your feelings of joy and calmness.
Reflect and set goals - You can choose to forget 2020 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.
Reach out and get support - 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. If none of these work for you, or you prefer professional support please see below additional support services that may be of interest.
Our Student Support Services will resume Monday 4th January and we look forward to seeing all new and returning students in the New Year.
- Lifeline 131114 Call 24/7 for free support and suicide prevention activities for all community members
- Beyond Blue 1300224636 Call 24/7 for free advice, referral and support from a trained mental health professional
- 1800 RESPECT 1800737732 Call 24/7 for free counselling, information and referrals for sexual assault, and domestic and family violence
- eheadspace headspace.org.au/eheadspace Free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends 9am – 1am 7 days a week
- Yarning SafeNStrong 1800959563 Confidential phone crisis line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing
- MensLine Australia 1300789978 24/7 telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns
- QLIFE 1800184527 3pm-midnight free peer support and referral for same sex attracted and sex and gender diverse peopleHead to Health
- Headtohealth.gov.au A directory of digital mental health resources
- Black dog institute blackdoginstitute.org.au Research, information and facts with online resources for mental illness