MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
Q My anxiety has been through the roof during Covid. I’m now hosting Christmas – how can I manage my stress?
Geraldine: Remember no one wants you to fail, least of all your loved ones. If you’ve gone to the trouble of hosting, keep in mind that everyone is on your side and it’s a shared responsibility. So get them involved and give them jobs to do. You will be more appreciated for being relaxed and enjoying yourself, than for staying up until midnight on Christmas Eve to perfect your Yule log! Prepare as much as possible in advance. Perhaps even aim to be ready the day before Christmas Eve, so you have an extra day for any last-minute emergencies.
Q It feels wrong to be celebrating after so much hardship. How can I enjoy the festivities without feeling guilty?
Geraldine: That guilt you feel is tied to our social evolution. Our ancestors were attuned to their fellow tribe members, as survival depended on how well everyone did as a community. We continue to feel that connection today. Try to focus more on the positives in your life. This reduces the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which keep you focused on the ‘danger’ – or in this case, fixated on the plight of others. It also helps increase the flow of feelgood chemicals to help you cope. You can also practise gratitude. This doesn’t mean you don’t care about others – but accepting that your feelings of guilt aren’t healthy will help you to step back from them.