Caring for your mental well being after the festive season 

The holiday season can be both joyful and demanding, but it is essential to prioritise mental health, especially in the aftermath of Christmas. January can bring a mix of emotions, from post-celebration bliss to potential challenges of the new year ahead.

When reflecting on the holiday season, it’s natural to encounter a range of emotions. Whether it’s the joy of spending time with loved ones or the exhaustion of navigating social events, taking a moment to acknowledge and process these feelings is crucial.

In the post-Christmas period, ensure you allocate time for self-care activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness, these moments are vital for mental wellbeing. We have prepared a short-list of recommendation activities to help ease the January blues:

Plan new adventures

Explore short breaks or holidays, bringing excitement, and anticipation for future plans.

Outdoor exercise

Break the indoor monotony with short outdoor stints, as even 10-15 minutes of fresh air can uplift mood.

Realistic goal setting

Adjust overstated New Year’s resolutions, recognising the need for realistic goals.

Creative distractions

Engage in immersive creative activities for a distraction from low feelings, investing even just 5 minutes.

Balanced diet

Opt for a balanced diet over sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods, reducing stimulants like alcohol and caffeine for better sleep.

Daylight utilisation

Maximise daylight exposure, even indoors, with screen breaks and short outdoor breathers to enhance mood.

Acceptance of “Blue Days”

Embrace occasional low moments, acknowledging feelings while avoiding prolonged stagnation. Sometimes, self-care involves cosy loungewear, a warm beverage, and 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 absorbency¹and 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, eakin seals can provide you with a secure fit and protection against leaks.

Remember, prioritising your mental health is a continuous process. By acknowledging and addressing your emotions, you’re taking significant steps towards a positive and fulfilling post-Christmas experience.

1. Mc Groggan 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