Presence over Presents - HSE shares seasonal stress-reducing tips ahead of the holidays

The festive season is a time of joy, but for many, it can also be a time when they may feel stressed, anxious or even a little bit down. This could be due to increased financial demands, juggling work and personal commitments, a first Christmas without a loved one, pressure to socialise, or increased loneliness.

Stress can show itself in different ways including irritability, panicky feelings, breathing problems, or headaches.

The HSE’s Your Mental Health campaign has shared advice to help manage stress:

• Plan ahead: If you have a stressful day or week coming up, make a to-do list keeping it realistic and achievable. Try to schedule downtime for yourself as well.
• Prioritise sleep: Sleep helps you to think clearly and helps you do your best to try and deal with whatever the next day might bring. Seven hours of sleep is recommended for adults.
• Practice breathing exercises: Improving your breathing in a purposeful way will help your mind and body especially when faced with difficult situations. Breathing exercises only take a few minutes.
• Stretch your legs: Physical activity will help you sleep, relax and feel better. When you can, exercise outside, connecting with nature while exercising helps reduce stress, burn off anxious energy and feel calmer. 
• Cut back on alcohol: The festive season often involves increased alcohol intake. People may also turn to alcohol when stressed but alcohol is a depressant and can lower your mood. Try alcohol-free and low alcohol alternatives where available.
• Be present: Mindfulness can help if you are feeling overwhelmed. It can help to gently and purposefully move your attention onto something less stressful such as a sound, smell or sight.
• Talk about it: It can help to talk to a friend or family member about how you feel. This might help you understand why you are feeling stressed and to get help with how to manage it.

For more stress relieving tips see yourmentalhealth.ie.

According to Fiona Ward, Director of Counselling, HSE National Counselling Service, “Christmas and New Year are a happy time for lots of people, but it’s important to remember that this is not the case for everyone. This time of year brings mixed emotions or sadness for some people. For anyone who has lost a loved one, Christmas can be particularly tough. It can be hard if you feel under pressure to be happy especially if everyone else seems to be having a great time. So if you feel stressed or anxious, down or lonely over the Christmas period - remember you are not alone, lots of people struggle over the holidays and there are things you can do to feel better. Reach out. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can be helpful. You may feel that you don’t want to burden them if you're struggling but it can really help to share what you’re feeling. You can also find lots of helpful supports and resources online at yourmentalhealth.ie”

The HSE and partner organisations offer a range of mental health supports. These include text and phone supports, counselling in person and online, stress control courses, breathing exercises and much more. For people seeking information on support options please visit yourmentalhealth.ie or call the HSE Your Mental Health information line on freephone 1800 111 888, any time day or night.

Support is also available from:

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (available 24 hours, 365 days a year)

SpunOut: Text About It (text Hello to 50808)

Irish Hospice Bereavement Support Line, in partnership with the HSE: Call 1800 80 70 77 (available 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday).