mentalhealth.org.nz > Working Well > Newsletter > Wellbeing tips for the holiday period

Wellbeing tips for the holiday period

We all know that the lead up to Christmas can be a stressful time, which is why we’ve put together some ideas to help make the remainder of December more enjoyable, less frantic, help reduce stress and provide tips for you and your team(s) return to work in 2011.

The Working Well team will be back on board from Monday 24 January.

On behalf of the Working Well team, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a flourishing 2011.

Mauri ora,
Shaughan Woodcock,
Acting Working Well Manager

 

Contents

Tips to reduce stress over the holiday season

  • Take a break - even if it’s only a few days it’s important that people have a break of some kind.

  • Promote positive messages about celebrating the festive season – sharing time with family and friends and time to recharge rather than just time to drink and party.

  • Relax – as people rush to finish end of year projects encourage them to look after themselves by eating a healthy diet, exercise and relaxation.

  • Celebrate the successes of 2010 either by a family friendly occasion or a work function. Have safe practices in place around drinking and driving.

  • Working through – in today’s environment it’s common for businesses to continue operating throughout this period.Organise something small for those staff working through to show them it’s not just about business.

  • Responsibility – be responsible for yourself; don’t take on responsibility for everyone else’s happiness.

  • Financial – unrealistic expectations will work to drive up your stress levels. One of the best ways to avoid stress and anxiety around financial issues is to plan in advance and don’t over commit yourself.

  • Support – the Christmas / New Year period can also be a reminder for those people who have lost loved ones. By re-communicating your organisation's support methods, eg, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), will remind staff where they can go for help.

Beat the back to work blues

  • Welcome back – plan a small get together for next year, eg, morning tea or shared lunch to welcome staff back.

  • Workspace – organise your workspace, photos of friends or a couple of snapshots from your time off work.

  • Breaks – take your breaks and ease yourself back into work.

  • Get organised – set aside some time for processing emails and break large projects into small steps.

  • Look after yourself – get more sleep, do some physical activity and eat better in 2011.

Flourishing and wellbeing tips

  • Focus on positive emotions.
  • Do not neglect yourself. Try to schedule in some time each day, even if it is just 10 minutes, to do something that revitalizes you both physically and mentally.
  • Taking a walk, reading a book or practising meditation are just some things you could do.
  • Know that it is OK to say no. You do not need to be everything to everyone all the time.
  • Appreciate what you have.
  • Relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Additional information:

Depression Helpline
0800 111 757
www.depression.org.nz
www.thelowdown.co.nz

Lifeline
0800 543 354
www.lifeline.org.nz

Youthline
0800 376 633
http://youthline.co.nz

Top Page last updated: 16 December 2010