Laois Christmas advice to help you to CONNECT to wellbeing

Healthy Ireland Laois say Christmas can be a time of joy, excitement, family connection, love and kindness, but it can also be a very difficult time of year for people.

They say financial pressures, increased alcohol and food consumption, reminders of lost loved ones, and family relationships can mean the festive season leads to increased stress which can negatively impact our mental and physical health.

However, you can protect your health and wellbeing during Christmas by boosting your resilience and understanding the benefit of resilience.

Resilience is the ability to adapt well when things go wrong and eventually solve the problem. We gain and learn resilience through life experiences and training. Resilience helps us cope with stress and helps us live healthier lives. 

Lack of resilience can lead to chronic stress which in turn may cause high blood pressure, weakened immune system, heartburn, heart disease, and digestive issues. It can also affect your mental health, and can cause insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Healthy Laois issued the following tips to help you to CONNECT with your wellbeing this Christmas. 

C. Care for Yourself

Look at your physical health, is your diet healthy and balanced do you exercise regularly. Make an effort to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables and ultimately aim to increase this to seven portions. Take a walk at lunchtime and make time to exercise.

O. OK to relax

How do you relax. Do you watch TV while scrolling on the phone and discussing this week’s school run. Your mind needs to relax. Regular relaxation allows our bodies and minds to reset. Try scheduling activities, such as taking a bath, listening to music, reading, yoga, or swimming.

N. Need a laugh

Laughing reduces stress hormones, boosts the immune system and resilience. Try smiling and laughing more, watching comedies, or reading a funny book.

N. Nod Off

Do you get enough sleep? Try to ensure you get between 7-9 hours per night. Try getting up at the same time each day, and reducing your caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon.

E. Express your Emotions

Humans are social beings. It is vital for our wellbeing that we feel supported and have people around us that care for us. Try arranging a regular catch up with friends and family and allow space to regularly express emotions and feel valued by helping with other people’s issues. 

C. Counselling

Resilience can be built through effective counselling and therapy. Therapy can give you the space to explore what is stopping your from battling stress and improving your ability to be resilient. 

T. Treats

Life can start to feel monotonous if we don’t have things to get excited about in the future. Visit friends you haven’t seen, give yourself regular healthy treats at the end of the week, or arrange fun things to do on your days off.

The advice is issued as part of the Laois Connects initiative, co-ordinated by Laois County Council, has sought to promote Health and wellbeing in Laois since 2013.

The committee is made up of representatives from the HSE, Mental Healthy Ireland, Mountmellick Community School, Healthy Laois, Laois PPN, Healthy Laois, Laois Sports Partnership, Youthwork Ireland Laois, Laois Library Service, Jigsaw Laois Offaly, Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Age Friendly Laois and Laois Sports and Leisure section.

These various agencies and bodies are committed to providing support, information and activities to promote & support Health & Wellbeing in our communities.