12 Christmas tips!

GPs at Tallaght Cross : Thinking about Christmas

Christmas is a great time of year. But not for everyone.

It is a time when you miss those not with you anymore. Or who live away. Or whom you have fallen out with.

We see a lot of stress at Christmas – often made worse by Christmas itself.

Here are 12 tips for the 12 days of Christmas:

1. Decide which Christmas activities and traditions are important to you. Say ‘no’ to those that cause you know will cause stress.

2. People spend more money than they should at Christmas.  Make a Christmas budget and stick with it. Borrowing has to be paid back.

3. Eat as right as you can, get enough sleep and some exercise.

4. Control your alcohol intake. Rows are often started with drink.

5. Recognize signs of stress. If you get irritable go for a walk. Anything really to ease it.

6. Just because it is Christmas, doesn’t mean relatives and friends will change or improve.  Accept this. How will you respond to help keep the Christmas spirit?

7. Don’t forget to say thanks. People often say it has been an anti climax after all that effort. Meaning for some they are disappointed.

8. Limit screen time – the phone can be a stress all of its own.

9. Remember it’s ok to say “no” in order to make time for yourself. People won’t remember it in the New year.

10. If you experience persistent low mood or anxiety after Christmas, tell us.

11. Don’t panic about prescriptions – this practice is only closed from Friday afternoon to Wednesday morning

12. The days after Christmas are a good time to think about New year resolutions.

With best wishes from all the staff here.