Well I don’t know about everyone else, but I am really going to cherish my time at Christmas for 2021.
Whilst I personally found 2020 to be very challenging with COVID-19 changing our world overnight, 2021 has been a very busy year and therefore it’s time to practice what I preach in my talks, which is to keep a “Work / Life Balance”.
I’m going to take a couple of weeks off this December/January by utilising this time to reflect, rest and connect with family and friends. For those that know my story and my journey, I have certainly learnt the hard way in understanding the importance of taking time out of our busy lives to cherish the time we have. It’s been this change in the way I work and live that has supported my Mental Health and Wellness in a positive way. A message I continue to promote across Australia during my mental health talks with CNB Safe.
For many people this Christmas, it is a time that may be difficult for a list of different reasons and circumstances. Families may have their loved ones working away during the festive season including Christmas day, which they will no doubt be feeling a void in their hearts for during this period. For the person that is working away, in many cases working in isolation, they may be feeling homesick and have feelings of loneliness.
There are people like myself that whilst I will be with the majority of my family, COVID border closures and restrictions within Australia have prevented me from hugging my son, daughter-in-law and my grandchildren, for we live in Perth WA and my son and his family live in Wagga Wagga NSW. It has been two years since I have been able to hug them, which has also included three Christmas Days missed with the grandchildren. I still believe we are the lucky ones for we have technology that can connect us such as Zoom, however, I am mindful of the many people that are separated from their entire families for the same period. At the end of the day, a hug will always supersede a Zoom call.
Then there are the people that will be at home alone this Christmas because they have no family and of course, there are those that are homeless this Christmas.
Feeling lonely can have a negative impact on our mental health, especially if these feelings have lasted a long time. Some research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.
On a positive note, a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on a person’s day and life. It’s important to be mindful of those that may be lonely this Christmas and throughout the festive period. Simply picking up the phone to wish them a Merry Christmas, checking in to see how they are travelling and how they are coping can make a big difference. It may be your neighbour who is home alone that simply requires a knock on their door and perhaps a Christmas lunch on a plate. Whatever the circumstances and the gesture, we can all play a part in showing some kindness that will support that person’s mental health and wellness during this period.
Showing an act of kindness this Christmas not only supports others but it will fill your heart in return for the gesture you have provided. Something that money can’t buy.
So this Christmas, I will be kind to myself in taking time out for me and my family and will definitely be reaching out to those that may be struggling during this period.
To all the CNB Safe clients that I have had the privilege of sharing my story with this year, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.
