Shine a light on yourself and others with our #12DaysOfKindmas campaign, which kicks off on 8 December to encourage kindness and compassion over the festive season as a way to collectively mind our mental health after a very difficult year.
Celebrating kindness and wellness
From 8-19 December, we will share a daily initiative on social media as part of #12DaysofKindmas, including:
- Celebrating acts of kindness, with a social media competition to nominate someone who was kind to you during the year
- A #FestiveFive invitation to share your festive film, song or food favourites
- Guides and tips for practicing mindfulness over the festive period
- Blogs and wellness resources, exploring healthy attitudes to food over the holiday season, self-care practices, a gratitude journal, Christmas eCards, winter wellness tips, dealing with grief at Christmas and more.
Thanking those who have gotten us through the year
On day four of the campaign, mental health charities Mental Health Reform, SeeChange,and Samaritans Ireland will get involved in a very special initiative focused on sharing gratitude.
On 11 December, as the sun sets at 4.06pm, we're coming together to invite people to light a candle and share a message of thanks on social media for someone who has been helpful this year, whether it’s a friend who is always on the other end of the phone, a healthcare worker who provides invaluable care, or a friendly shop assistant at a local store. By joining together to share our gratitude, we hope to inspire kindness and compassion.
Practicing self-kindness and empathy
“This year, with the curtailment of the usual Christmas festivities, and after what has been a difficult year with notable psychological impacts on us all, we are encouraging people, young and not so young, to focus on practicing self-kindness and empathy to others. Taking time out for self-care and a kind word to someone who is feeling low will make a huge difference to our own or a loved one’s mental health. The #12DaysofKindmas campaign is an opportunity to consider how we, and others, are feeling, and to spread messages of hope and solidarity this festive season.”
Having a mentally healthy Christmas
We are also sharing some tips on how to have a mentally healthy Christmas while navigating the ongoing public health guidelines.
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Focus on self-compassion and easing pressures
As we move back into Level 3 restrictions over the coming weeks, there may be more opportunities to do different things and go to different places, but it’s important not to put yourself under pressure to do certain things because it’s Christmas time and restrictions have eased; only interact in so far as you are comfortable doing.
It’s normal to feel anxiety about restrictions easing so do not feel guilty about saying no to doing certain things, making time for yourself and making you a priority. It’s important to focus on being kind to yourself and really considering what you can do to make yourself feel good.
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Engage in wellness activities
Mindfulness and grounding exercises have proven to have significant positive impacts on mental health and there is a wealth of resources available online to get you started. We also have a number of blogs and resources with tips for managing your mental health, particularly during the pandemic.
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Maintain social connections
Christmas is normally a time for parties, large family gatherings and lots of outings, so the prospect of an unusual Christmas might be unsettling, but there are always ways to stay connected with loved ones and celebrate the holidays with them. Staying in touch by phone or with video calls, meeting outdoors in a garden or park or perhaps going for a walk in a quieter place with a friend remain equally as valuable.
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Talk to your loved ones about how you are feeling
This could be especially relevant if others seem to be more at ease with loosened restrictions and trying to replicate traditional Christmas celebrations. You might feel more comfortable meeting family or friends in an outdoor space or at a less busy time, when it’s easier to maintain physical distancing. Alternatively, you might be more comfortable meeting up with only one person at a time.
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Limit your news intake and only seek information from reliable sources
With the daily reporting of COVID-19 numbers, it may prove more difficult to switch off from news and current events this Christmas than it has in previous years. Try to limit the amount of time you spend consuming news and seek information from reliable news sources. There is often reassurance to be found in facts and reliable advice, as it can meaningfully counter worry or negative thoughts.
Follow the campaign on social media
Use the hashtag #12DaysOfKindmas to take part in the campaign.
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