Como evitar o estresse durante o Natal e o Ano Novo

Think about what you want

Take a deep breath and ask yourself what do you need from your Christmas break this year? What do your mind and body need to feel well?

Once you've taken time to consider what you want from the férias, it may be easier to avoid automatically saying yes to all event invitations that come your way. Think about how you feel and when it would be more beneficial to stay in.

"Notice when you feel you need to step away from estressante people and environments," says Evans. "There has never been a better time of year to go for a walk, even borrow a dog."

Take note of 'should' statements

Evans advises you to take notice if any 'should' messages come up - such as 'I should do this'.

"These statements are often about other people's needs and not our own," she says. "So it will be helpful to notice any sense of obligation you feel."

She explains that setting boundaries with time and people is essential to protect your energy. Always have an exit plan, a reason to leave early.

Set clear boundaries

Often, we can feel pressured to host Christmas because we have done so previously. However, it's important to say if you don't feel up to having people over.

If you do end up cooking Christmas dinner for others, it can help to set boundaries such as how long people can stay. Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring a course or a dish so you don't have as much work to do, or to ask people to help out with the dishes or tidying up too.

Avoid overdoing it with alcohol

Many of us drink more over Christmas and the New Year, but this can have a serious effect on our mental health and wellbeing. It is advised not to drink more than 14 units a week and to spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week.

Fourteen units is equivalent to six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of wine. If you're pregnant, you should avoid alcohol completely.

"Understand the effect alcohol and food consumption has on your mood and sleep," says Evans. "Alcohol is a depressant, so noticing its affect will help you make healthier decisions to stay well."

Say no when you need to

Evans recommends to slow things down and pause before saying yes to things. Don't respond right away, but sleep on it and reflect if this is something you would like to do or feel under pressure to commit to.

She says: "The ability to say no is similar to flexing a muscle, so start today and get practising. A helpful phrase to use is I'm unable to do that - as there is no need to explain why, yet it's warmer than a straight no."

It might feel selfish, but it is important to prioritise your saúde and wellbeing around this time.

Obtenha apoio

If you are struggling with your mental health, whether it is stress, anxiety, depression or the loss of a loved one, it's important to seek help. Speak to your doctor or reach out to organisations such as the charity Cruse Bereavement Support. Você pode refer yourself for counselling on the NHS too.