Navigating the festive season
During the festive season, many people's habits and routines change so it can be extra important to ensure that those who need our support, are at the forefront of our minds. Including helping ourselves!
People may be facing the New Year and festive period for the first time following a bereavement, their circumstances may have significantly changed over the past year, their children may need the routine and structure of school to feel most content, or people may struggle to juggle childcare and other commitments over the school holidays. Whatever the reason, there can be many additional layers at this time of year that can result in people needing support - and challenges with people giving the support they’d usually offer.
So, here are our top tips for navigating the festive season:
Consider what additional practical, emotional or safety support you or someone close to you might need over this period - what temporary support plans can you make?
Already have support plans in place? Speak to those you normally support, or those who support you, to plan ahead for any changes - and make sure your support plans are robust.
Find ways to keep your usual eating, sleeping and movement routines where they ordinarily help you.
Check in with those around you - drop a text, give them a call, or have a visit.
Remember those who may be finding this time of year particularly challenging for whatever reason - don't be afraid to reach out.
Try to avoid the habits or routines that ordinarily don't help you - reach out to others for help if you need to.
Consider gifting in a different way to reduce the pressure of buying - have a charity shop challenge, do Secret Santa, or just opt for time together instead.
Remember that what people share on social media isn't reality - life isn't filtered and people often choose not to show the challenging or more mundane parts of their day.
Know that just because New Year often gives people additional pressure to make resolutions or changes, if this doesn't help you, you don't need to take part.
Reach out to services if you need them; know that the health service and charities are still available over the festive period - follow on social media so you can know of any changes that they might have to timings etc. You can explore services on our signpost hub.
At Daybreak, and in our work alongside families, we value empowering others to be able to make decisions that affect their lives. We champion working with those in your wider support network to come together, communicate well, and determine what is best for you to be above to move forward, be safe and thrive whilst engaging in the services and support opportunities available. Ensuring that those in your support network understand how best to help you, and your family, and to have clarity in what that looks like is key to navigating periods of challenge, safely and sustainably.
To explore more articles about safe and sustainable support, visit our advice hub.
