Counsellor in Norfolk says "it's ok to say no" to ease pressure on our mental health this Christmas
A counsellor in South Norfolk is reminding all of us that we're allowed to say no to things this Christmas
A counsellor based in South-Norfolk is reminding people to prioritise their mental health this Christmas, as pressures can grow this time of year.
Ruth Noble, a counsellor in Diss says keeping a handle on what 'pushes our buttons' ahead of meeting up with family and friends for Christmas can help those suffering with their mental health.
It's after research from Mental Health UK showed over 30% of those surveyed suffer sleepless nights ahead of festive gathering.
Ruth said it's about reflecting on what can trigger stress and anxiety, and making active choices to be kinder to ourselves.
She said: "What can you do to pull yourself back on that? Can you give yourself permission to not wrap everything perfectly? To not decorate every inch of your home?
"Can you give yourself permission to not see everyone all in one day and spread it out a bit?
"Can you have a conversation between you and say 'all this is a bit much for me'? Can you make space for yourself and to say 'alright, I can manage this, to be around this for an hour, and then I'm going to hang out into a quieter room?"
For Ms Noble, having a conversation with others about what can trigger anxiety is the first step.
She shared her top tips for anyone needed a bit of breathing space this Christmas:
Moving your body
"Move your body, that's really helpful, and then that can be part of the same thing, maybe you can go for a walk or follow a yoga video."
It's ok to say no
"Don't forget to move, to build in some time to breathe, and don't forget that you are allowed to say 'no thank you'".
Do what works best for you, not for others
"Just because it's tradition that we do this on Christmas, if it doesn't work for you do something else."
It's really helpful if you can build it in and give yourself some space."
Understand your triggers
"It's really important to understand who you are and what it is that is difficult around this time of year, what it is that you are finding stressful."