Bay of Plenty District Health Board
healthyliving News
Merry Christmas
from the Healthy Living Team
How to Survive the Festive Season
Walk away from stress if you can – If you start feeling
overwhelmed during the festive period go for a 30 minute walk, if you
can. This will help clear your head as walking has a positive effect on
your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep. Give to people who have less than you – There are people
who are in need. Collect a name from the Christmas tree for less
fortunate or give to the Christmas appeals. You may never know who
received your gift but it is one way to rejuvenate your soul.
If you can’t walk away, breathe - take 10 mindful breaths Working at Christmas – This can be one of the most
rewarding things to do. Helping others that can’t be with family
and friends to celebrate and you can help them smile. Be it your
normal job or volunteering for the day.
in and out, calming the body and mind, then simply rest where you
are, noticing everything that is going on around you. This practice
incorporates four keys aspects of mindfulness training: Stopping
- Calming - Resting - Noticing. Together, these four steps are
innately healing. Use an everyday environmental cue (the phone
ringing, email alert etc) as a reminder to pause and breathe for
three breath cycles, and take notice of the world around you.
Remember to smile – Smiling has a way of making you stay
positive even if you don’t feel like it.
Remember it’s not about the gifts – Christmas may have
become commercial but it’s not about the gifts it is about the
presence of family and friends. It is about the memories you make.
Can you remember every present you have received or given?
I know I don’t remember but I do remember the laughs and the
traditions we have.
EAP Services….
It is not uncommon to feel anxious at this time of
year. You can access EAP support at any time
throughout the whole of the holiday period – EAP
services are truly available 24/7 x 365 days.
Relax – Don’t forget to take some time out for yourself during the Please contact EAP at any time to arrange a
confidential telephone, e-counselling, video or in-
person appointment.
Think of others – Christmas time isn’t a happy time for NZ 0800 327 669
AU 1800 726 474
www.eapservices.co.nz
Intl +64 9 353 0906
holiday period. We have all had a long year and we need to relax
to rejuvenate ourselves.
everyone, many are mourning the loss of someone special. Be
sensitive to others, you don’t know what they are going through.
24
Thank you – to all the staff whom are providing much needed
services over this time – we thank you for the difference you are
making for those who do not have a choice but to spend their
festive season in hospital.