Simple steps can relieve stress this Christmas

CHRISTMAS can be a really fun time of the year, but it can also be stressful for some.

To avoid unnecessary stress during the festive period this year, people in West Lancashire are being encouraged to follow simple steps.

With friends and family coming together to eat, drink, exchange gifts and celebrate during Christmas, the celebrations can bring immense pressure to most of us.

It is, however, also extremely important that we take care of our mental wellbeing.

Kieran Fleck, Mindsmatter psychological wellbeing practitioner lead at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, explained: “Christmas can be a really stressful time of the year, regardless of whether you live with a mental health problem or not.

“While the festive season is great for bringing together family and friends to spend time with each other and celebrate, the preparation, financial pressure and family tensions can often bring added and unnecessary stress for people.

“We want people in Lancashire to ensure that they are looking after themselves by planning and using their time effectively to avoid last minute running around, and ensuring they get plenty of sleep and relaxation time.’’

Mr Fleck added: “We are encouraging people to do good deeds or small acts of kindness to make themselves feel better and maintain a positive mind set.

“Nobody should suffer alone. We have Mindsmatter teams across Lancashire that are here to support anyone who is feeling low or stressed out this Christmas.”

People can access the service via the online referral form from the comfort of their own home, by post, by telephone or by visiting their GP.

For more information about your local Mindsmatter service and to access their online selfreferral form please visit www.lancashirecare.nhs. uk/Mindsmatter.