Caring for your mental well-being after the festive season

Caring for your mental well-being after the festive season

The festive season, a blend of joy and demands, emphasises the need to prioritise mental health, particularly in the aftermath of Christmas. January brings a spectrum of emotions, from the afterglow of celebrations to the potential challenges of the upcoming year.

In the post-Christmas phase, carve out time for self-care activities that provide relaxation. Whether it’s delving into a good book, indulging in a soothing bath, or embracing mindfulness practices, these activities play a pivotal role in maintaining mental well-being. To help alleviate the January blues, consider the following activities:

Embark on new adventures:

• Explore short breaks or plan holidays, creating anticipation for upcoming ventures.

Embrace outdoor exercise:

• Break the indoor routine with brief outdoor stints, as even 10-15 minutes of fresh air can uplift your mood.

Set realistic goals:

• Adjust ambitious New Year’s resolutions, acknowledging the importance of achievable goals.

Dive into creative distractions:

• Engage in immersive creative activities as a diversion from low feelings, starting with just 5 minutes initially.

Choose a balanced diet:

• Prioritise a balanced diet over sugary and carbohydrate-heavy foods, while minimising stimulants like alcohol and caffeine for improved sleep.

Harness daylight:

• Maximise exposure to daylight, even indoors, incorporating screen breaks and brief outdoor respites to enhance your mood.

Embrace “Blue Days”:

• Accept occasional low moments, recognising your feelings while avoiding prolonged stagnation. Sometimes, self-care involves cozy loungewear, a warm beverage, and indulging in a binge-worthy TV series.

Products:

• The post Christmas, January blues, can really get you down so why not take the worry of leaks away by using an eakin^® seal!
• eakin^® seals are the number 1 seal on the market for absorbency¹ and mouldability², capturing any output that’s not made its way into your bag and allowing you shape and stretch to your body and stoma shape, providing you with a secure fit and protecting against leaks.

Remember, the commitment to mental well-being is an ongoing journey. By acknowledging and addressing your emotions, you’re taking significant strides toward a positive and fulfilling post-Christmas experience.

1. McGroggan G, Haughey S and McDowell K (2018) An absorbent, enzyme-inhibiting seal reduces peristomal skin complications. Gastrointestinal Nursing 16:1 42-4.
2. T.G. Eakin Laboratory Testing Summary report, ostomy seals 2023 (Data on file) EA-005683-ST