4 Top Tips for Managing our Wellbeing at the End of 2020

Last year Team Boo put together ten top tips for a calmer festive season, including ‘just say no’ to too many social invitations. This year, a few of us are wishing we had some social events to say ‘yes!’ to. Shin, Helen and Amy have come up with some tips for managing the festive season in this unusual and difficult year.

Nothing Changes at midnight. As usual, we like to remind ourselves that Christmas is an imaginary deadline. Sometimes we place too much store in achieving or acquiring something we want ‘by Christmas’. This year, we have also got to be careful of being too eager to say ‘goodbye’ to 2020. No fairy godmothers will be appearing on New Year’s Eve so we’ll have to be our own fairy godmothers (and each other’s) instead. Practice self kindness, care for those around you and start 2021 full of hope and resilience.
Pick a different day. Many of us will have missed a big event this year. Let’s give ourselves permission to celebrate at a different time. Big birthday? Carry it forward, you’re allowed! As soon as it’s safe, pick a date, make it even better than it would have been. Some cultures celebrate New Year at the spring equinox, maybe we’ll be able to hop on that in 2021?
Look for the good, where and when you can. Finding humour about a rubbish situation keeps it from feeling overwhelming. “You’ve got to laugh…” says Shin. Laughter keeps your heart lighter.
Self soothe. Helen’s plan for her winter break is to watch her favourite films. Many people find comfort in re-consuming the same films and books. Covering familiar ground take less mental energy, there are no shocks and surprises, and so we can predict how we’ll feel at each stage. Even if we know the ending is sad, we can prepare to feel sad. The BBC published a list of ‘the most comforting films for challenging times’. Take a look and see if any of your favourites are on there.

#TeamBoo