For most people, preparations for Christmas are in full swing.

For many, there is much to look forward to: the family getting together, the giving and receiving presents, lots to eat and drink, a holiday getaway abroad, building memories and reflecting on Christmas Past.

For others, the upcoming festivities are a nightmare prospect: the family getting together, the giving and receiving presents, lots to eat and drink, a holiday getaway abroad, building memories and reflecting on Christmas Past!

Whatever your practices and beliefs about the upcoming mid-winter festivities, there are things you can do to help you manage through the period. Below are links to advice from a number of different organisations on what to do to keep healthy and well, in mind and body:

Reducing stress

• BUPA (reducing stress)
• BBC (reduce stress)
• The Spark Organisation (counselling service tips for a stress free Christmas)
• Medical News Today (reducing Christmas Stress)

Mental health

• University of Kent Wellbeing Zone
• MIND
• Mental Health Foundation
• Time to Change
• Anxiety UK
• Priory Group
• Heads Together
• Net Doctor
• Relate (relationships quiz)
• Samaritans
• BEAT
• Cosmopolitan (eating disorders)

Diet

• • BBC Good Food Guide
  • British Nutrition Foundation
  • British Heart Foundation (eating advice)

Exercise

• • Daily Telegraph (general fitness)
  • Real Buzz (fitness)
  • The Guardian (exercise)
  • Metro (fitness advice)

General wellbeing advice

• Forbes (general Christmas wellbeing advice)
• Real Buzz (general health advice)

Brenda Brunsdon, Occupational Health & Wellbeing Team Manager