Merry Christmas

As the big day of Christmas rapidly approached I wanted to share a Christmas special edition that is a move away from the norm with a focus on you and the family.

As many of you, the readers, know I have had my own struggles with managing mental health. For me high stress environments are typically the place and setting for things to be significantly worse.

Mental health in men in particular is something not many people are talking about, enough, in my view. And the biggest killer for men in suicide is stress related break; this is where things become too much that the belief is the only solution is suicide. We don’t talk enough about this.

And so as we look into all the effort and everything we put into Christmas we also need to remember it’s one day and caring for you is equally as important.

Here is my top tips and guidance for navigating this period well with your mental health.

Richard’s Tips for Navigating the Holiday Season

1. Plan, but Don’t Overplan

While preparation is key, perfection isn’t the goal.

• Focus on what truly matters—a warm, welcoming atmosphere rather than an Instagram-perfect table setting. People are more important than the setting!

• Delegate tasks: Whether it’s wrapping presents or preparing side dishes, involve the whole family.

2. Set Boundaries with Family and In-Laws

It’s natural for different personalities and opinions to surface during family gatherings.

• If tensions arise, redirect the conversation to shared memories or topics everyone enjoys.

• Be mindful of your own energy—step away for a breather if needed, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. Quick one is clearing the plates; use this to grab a mindful 2 minutes.

3. Prioritize Connection Over Chores

It’s easy to get caught up in cooking, cleaning, and ticking off your to-do list, but don’t forget why you’re gathering.

• Schedule time to sit, chat, and enjoy the company of loved ones.

• Put down the phone and be fully present in the moment—it makes all the difference.

4. Keep Expectations Realistic

Remember, Christmas isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about cherishing the people around you.

• Accept that not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay.

• A burnt turkey or a late gift delivery won’t ruin the day—it might even create a funny memory for years to come.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Amidst the hustle, don’t forget to prioritise your own well-being.

• Hydrate, take breaks, and ensure you’re eating well.

• Find a moment for yourself—whether it’s enjoying a quiet coffee before the chaos begins or reading a few pages of your favourite book.

Mindfulness Check

Grab 2 minutes right now and breathe in (until your lungs are full) and out until lungs are empty.

Just purely focus on the breathe.

Do this for 2 minutes.

Want to get more into Mindfulness then I would highly recommend the Calm App

If you are personally struggling this time of year then please make sure you connect up with someone or anyone.

There is a lot of resources you can find here

If you have found this useful why not share with someone that could need this help and support.

I hope the tips above from things that I have personally learnt and still learning can help you on Holiday season. Just remember connecting with others is the most important part.

Have a Christmas!

Until next year thank you very much for reading and being active with my newsletter. I hope you have a great holiday season and enjoy with friends and family.