Stay merry and mindful – prioritise your mental health this holiday season

Stay merry and mindful – prioritise your mental health this holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, Marathon Health is reminding everyone of the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing. While the holiday season can bring joy for some, for others it can bring feelings of stress and sadness. Marathon Health’s clinical team shares tips to safeguard your wellbeing during this busy time.

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to help manage stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try practicing some breathing exercises or a mindfulness app. These tools can help bring you back to the present moment and aids in reducing stress.

The holiday season is full of festive feasts and celebrations, making it easy to overindulge. While enjoying holiday treats, it’s important to monitor alcohol and food consumption to reduce the risk of negative effects on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Alcohol is a depressant, and excessive drinking can cloud your thinking and affect your overall health. Remember, moderation is key – enjoy the season but take care of yourself too!

Physical activity is a great way to clear your mind and boost your mood. Take time to enjoy the summer sun safely – go for a swim or bike ride, play a classic game of backyard cricket or even a walk around the block.

Regular physical activity also promotes better sleep, which is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. You can also improve your sleep by minimising device time before bed. Getting the right amount of sleep will help you think clearly and make good decisions, and it’s great for your mental wellbeing.

The festive season can also be an expensive time of the year – with gift purchases, party invitations and entertaining, the financial pressure can start to add up. Be aware of the impact this could have on your mental wellbeing. You might like to consider setting budgets and boundaries, or other low-cost ideas for celebrating such as a BBQ in the park instead of dining out, and DIY gifting.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. The past year may have been full of challenges – however, the New Year offers a fresh start and a chance for new opportunities. Take time to reflect on the positives and set intentions for the future.

The holiday season is often associated with joy and togetherness, however can also bring feelings of loneliness for some, for those who are separated from family or friends, or who have experienced loss or hardship – sometimes resulting in a sense of isolation. If you’re feeling isolated, reach out to others with a phone call. Consider volunteering or participating in community activities to feel more connected.

Remember, we all have good mental health days and not so good mental health days – it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Marathon Health’s programs provide tailored mental health supports and personalised care to help you on your recovery to wellness.

If you need help in a crisis
In an emergency, please call triple zero (000) or go to your hospital emergency department.
For non-crisis mental health support you can also contact:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Lifeline Text 0477 131 114
• 13YARN 13 92 76
• Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• Head to Health Line: 1800 595 212
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467