Major holidays, like Christmas, can be difficult for those living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Some people do not feel able to join in with the commercial and cultural pressure of being 'joyful'. Feelings of stress and loneliness, financial worries, and missing relatives can make Christmas tough sometimes. So many of us struggle during the Christmas period, so it is important to remember that you are not alone and that it is ok to not be ok – even during the holidays!

This year AWARE has released some tips on maintaining positive mental health throughout the holidays to help you feel more in control. The following tips are based on the Take 5 approach, and we hope that it helps remind you to take a break, prioritise your mental health, and take care of yourself this Christmas season.

1. Keep expectations realistic

Set yourself personal boundaries regarding the amount of money you spend on gifts and the number of social events you attend. Managing your expectations can help reduce stress levels and help you plan for the holidays. The 'perfect' idea of Christmas is one that makes you happy, not the one seen in movies or on the front of a Christmas card.

2. Limit your alcohol intake

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause low mood, irritability and could potentially cause aggressive behaviour; remember that alcohol is a depressant! Try to limit your alcohol intake and be mindful of your limits so that you can maintain better mental and physical wellbeing during the holidays.

3. Keep Active

It's no surprise that cold weather and shorter days are not the greatest motivation to get you out of bed and on a 5k run! However, research shows that exercise releases chemicals in your body that make you feel good, so get wrapped up and get yourself out into the crisp air! Go for a walk beside nature so that you can take notice of your surroundings and take a break away from the Christmas festivities. If you cannot get outside, find an exercise video from YouTube or dance around your home to get your regular exercise in and boost your mood!

4. Eat sensibly

For many of us, Christmas is the time for fantastic FOOD. What we eat can sometimes impact how we feel, so make you get nutritious foods like fruits and veggies mixed into your diet. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of overindulgence, but a good tip is to try and balance this out over the festive period and keep everything in moderation.

5. Rest

The pressures and stress that come with Christmas can be exhausting. Taking time to read a book, watch your favourite TV programme, journal or practice mindfulness can help you unwind and take a break from the everyday stresses. Take care of yourself by ensuring that you get plenty of rest.

6. Treat Yourself

You may have bought other people’s gifts, but have you treated yourself? The run-up to the holidays can be so busy that many of us forget to do things we enjoy! Enjoying yourself helps beat stress, so add some fun activities and hobbies back into your routine, even if it’s something as simple as taking yourself out for a coffee with a good book/podcast.

7. Keep Perspective

If you don’t feel up for something, just say! Everyone is different, and not all of us feel like being involved in social situations that may make us feel worse in the long term. It is ok not to want to do more than you feel up to and look after yourself. Remember that Christmas is just one day of the year!

8. Take time for yourself

It is ok to be gentle and kind with yourself and prioritise what's best for you. Let yourself take time out of the 'Christmas buzz' and do something that you enjoy that isn't related to the holidays. Taking the time for yourself can help you reset and rejuvenate during this busy time of year.

9. Connecting with Others

Present-buying is not the only way of showing that we care about others. Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to loved ones you haven't spent much time with in the past year and re-connect with them. Setting aside quality time to connect with people that love you can help promote positive mental health and maintain positive relationships. Remember that many people can find Christmas a difficult time, so reaching out to them can also remind them that they are not alone.

10. Seek help

If you are feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, please seek help immediately. If you can, confide in someone close to you or call a 24/7 freephone helpline such as Samaritans (116 123) or LifeLine (0808 808 8000) for advice.