Help During The Holidays

4 Dec

This December can be a busy time for us - between Christmas shopping, parties, and cooking up a feast for the family, it’s important to make sure you’re looking after yourself, too. We wanted to share some helpful reminders that might help you to fill up your own cup first because we can’t pour from an empty cup!

One “Non-Negotiable” Daily Act of Care

Pick one small thing you’ll do for yourself every day in December. It can be as simple as a brief walk down your street, a cup of tea without distraction or noise, writing down your thoughts for 5 minutes, limiting (or skipping) alcohol at a party, or maybe even going to bed early.

Stick to it like an appointment. You wouldn’t let a friend or a family member down so don’t let yourself down, either.

The only rule: It must be something for you.

Give Yourself Permission to Say “No”

You don’t have to attend every event or meet every expectation. Just practice a kind, simple line: “Thank you for inviting me but I won’t be able to make it this time.”

“No” is a full sentence; you don’t need to explain yourself. Prioritise spending time doing things that make you happy because protecting your energy is not selfish.

Set a Connection Goal

Isolation grows when we wait for others to reach out first. Instead, set one small goal per week to spend time around others like text a friend, call a family member, attend an event, go for a coffee or a walk with a friend.

Joining in on a community group activity can be a great way to meet like minded people (like our G+T Club!). Even one connection can counter loneliness.

Limit Holiday Comparison

Keeping up with the Jones can be a great way to increase stress, impact your self esteem, and even plunge you into debt! Instead, set a small boundary that will protect your mental peace like limiting time on social media to 10 minutes a day, max. Or take a temporary break during Christmas week.

Reframe your mindset, too. Instead of looking at others and wishing you had more or could do better, appreciate what you have and how far you’ve come because you’ve done a wonderful job!

Know When to Reach Out for Help

This season can bring up a lot of stress, fear, or harm but we want you to remember that support is always available. You deserve safety, rest, and support. You are not alone.

If you or someone you know needs support with domestic violence, please contact the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline (NI). A free, 24/7 support service for anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse.

Website: https://dsahelpline.org/

Phone: 0808 802 1414

Text: 07797 805 839

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the police by calling 999. For non-emergency support or to make a report, contact the police on 101.

Some other helpful services:

Lifeline

Supports with: 24/7 emotional support if you’re in distress or despair.

Phone: 0808 808 8000

Samaritans

Supports with: Confidential listening and emotional support, 24/7.

Phone: 116 123

Childline

Supports with: Helpline for young people under 19.

Phone: 0800 1111

Papyrus

Supports with: Dedicated to preventing young suicide (under 35).