Self-care is about taking care of yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually to promote your overall well-being.
When we practice self-care, it enhances our productivity, improves our mental health, boosts our relationships and social life, and can lead to greater happiness and contentment.
Nevertheless, it can be hard to keep up with prioritizing self-care when you are going through difficult times. The month of December can be a hard time for some people, especially around the build up to Christmas. Perhaps you feel that Christmas is a stressful time? Maybe this causes feelings of frustration and worry about possible disruptions that may happen? It may also be a time when loneliness feels more intense or painful.
So what can we do to try and support ourselves to feel better around this time of the year?
Some ways in which we may try to support our wellbeing may be getting some exercise. Any type of exercise is great for lowering levels of stress and anxiety whilst supporting your physical health. You could try going out for a winter walk, which is a great way to boost your mood. Finding reasons to get outside can help you with momentum, so try and schedule things to do regularly, whether it's just a routine shop or coming into the PSS Wellbeing Centres for an activity.
Practical support during Christmas can help lower stress and give you peace of mind and across Liverpool are Christmas and winter food support services, that offer free food or community meals on and around Christmas, as well as food vouchers. Below we have provided a list of community spaces around Liverpool that are open throughout the holiday season.
Looking at grief and bereavement, there are many people who experience feelings of grief around Christmas, as it can bring back memories of special times with our loved ones. It can be very daunting knowing Christmas celebrations are approaching whilst you are struggling with grief.
If you are struggling with this, there are ways you can look after yourself. One way you can support yourself, is to plan out what you are going to do in advance, so that you can avoid overwhelming yourself and prioritize things like traditions you want to keep and others you want to let to go off. For further advice visit our article Dealing With Grief.
To work on self-care during the Christmas period, it is important to recognize that you need to be gentle and patient with yourself. If you are struggling, remind yourself that your feelings are valid - and it is okay that you may feel different to other people around you. You could try and take time out from Christmas related activities, maybe read that book, watch that film you were recommended, or try learn a new skill.
By Abigail Sparks
Hotlines
Samaritans –116 123 jo.samaritans.org
Grief Line - 01279945089
Cruse Helpline - 0808 808 1677
The Liverpool Light- Liverpool.Light@creativesupport.org.uk
Foodbanks
Feeding Liverpool - Home - Feeding Liverpool
Urban Scape Garden - NBIL Mobile Food Pantry (Mulgrave Street, Liverpool L8 2TJ)
Halles Hub, Litherland - NBIL Mobile Food Pantry (43 Ford Ln, Ford, Litherland, Liverpool L21 0HG)
Columba's Kitchen (76 Pinehurst Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 2TZ)
Garston Children's Centre - NBIL Mobile Food Pantry (70 Banks Road, Garston, Liverpool L19 8JZ)
Liverpool Lighthouse (Oakfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L4 OUF)