Give your mental wellbeing the greatest gift of all this Christmas with our top 12 tips…
Try our 12 days of self-care activities to blow away the winter blues and boost your mood! Be your own true love and see how many you can complete! #12DaysOfSelfCareChristmas
DAY 1: ‘On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
A partridge in a pear tree.’
We’re not particular partial to partridge (try saying that five times fast!), but nature in general gets a big thumbs-up from us. Wrap up warm and take a long walk. Breathe in the crisp winter air and drink in the wonderfully wintry scenery. Getting outdoors is great for your mental wellbeing, giving you space to blow off steam and time to reconnect with the world.
DAY 2: ‘On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Two turtle doves.’
Doves are the symbol of peace and let’s face it, we all reach a point over Christmas when we’d do anything for a little peace and quiet. Take yourself away from the hustle and bustle and find somewhere quiet and comfortable to relax and meditate, even just for an hour. Taking time out to focus on your breathing and senses helps to calm your anxieties and clear your mind.
DAY 3: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Three French hens.’
Today is the day to adopt the admirable French attitude of ‘c’est la vie’ (translation: ‘such is life’) – AKA, don’t sweat the small stuff. Little bro pinched a spray of your new aftershave? Shrug it off and move on. Nothing – and nobody – is gonna spoil your mood today. Sometimes, faking a positive attitude can make you feel more upbeat and unbothered by the stuff that usually drives you crazy.
DAY 4: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Four calling birds.’
Also known as songbirds, these delightful little creatures soothe the soul with their uplifting musical song. Admittedly, you’d be hard pushed to find four songbirds in your back garden, but who needs birds when we have Spotify?! Chill out to the sounds of nature or hit play on your favourite playlist and lose yourself in the music. Listening to music can be magic for mindfulness!
DAY 5: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Five gold rings.’
Spend the day treating yourself like the king or queen you are. Be positive about yourself when you’re talking to others. Try not to be too self-deprecating and avoid playing down your achievements. You are gold, baby, solid gold!
DAY 6: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Geese a-laying’
Be as productive as these six geese: today is the day to get. stuff. done. Tidy your bedroom, put your Christmas gifts away or help take down the decorations and clean the house up. Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, helps restore motivation and makes you feel a sense of pride on completion.
DAY 7: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Seven swans a-swimming.’
Swans mate for life and share a beautiful bond with their partner. Spend the day with your swan soulmate (best friend, partner, cousin, parent, pup…) and focus on enjoying their company to the fullest. Laugh and relax with your fave to recharge your mental health and boost your mood.
DAY 8: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Maids a-milking.’
Swap out the milk for water and make sure you’re staying hydrated and healthy. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of the wet stuff, not just today but every day. Being well-hydrated helps you sleep and improves your overall mood.
DAY 9: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Nine ladies dancing.’
Move over, nine ladies! 💃 The dancefloor is yours for the taking! Clear a space, crank up the music and let loose. Dancing has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
DAY 10: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Ten lords a-leaping.’
We’re all guilty of overindulging at Christmas (one more mince pie won’t hurt, right?) but eating and drinking s-o-o much can leave you feeling groggy and, well, bleh. Dust off your trainers and get active. Hit the gym, take a fast-paced walk, or try a workout in the comfort of your own home. Exercise can have a significant impact on your general mood and self-esteem, making you feel on top of the world!
DAY 11:‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Eleven pipers piping.’
Like the pipers, it’s time to make a noise. Only not with bagpipes but with your voice. Speak to a family member or friend if you’re struggling with your mental health. There’s no shame in asking for help – we all need support every now and then. Talking things over helps you deal with your problems, and you may even work out ways to make your stresses more manageable.
DAY 12: ‘On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
Twelve drummers drumming.’
Drumroll, please! We’ve reached the final day of your 12 Days of Self-Care Christmas! This is your day to spend exactly as you please. So go ahead and indulge yourself! Treat yourself to your favourite food, movie, or book; spend time with a good mate; head to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster or enjoy an extra hour in bed. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have fun because YOU deserve it!
