FESTIVE WINDDOWN
THERE’S NOTHING SEASONAL ABOUT STRESS itself – we can have money worries, relationship and family issues or experience bereavement and other serious life changes at any time. But certain points in the year shine a spotlight on those issues, and this is one of them. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by your problems, Christmas can turn from being a season of joy into a time of panic, anxiety or loneliness. And, when we start to feel overwhelmed, it’s more likely we’ll make less healthy choices: takeaways rather than home cooking; skipping that exercise class; cancelling a catch-up with friends; and missing out on sleep. The trouble is, looking after ourselves (eating well, relaxing with friends, exercising, getting to bed early) is what makes us less susceptible to stress.