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Caring for yourself over the Christmas holidays
For many people, the holidays can be a joyful time spent with loved ones - but for others, they can feel heavy, complicated, or exhausting. if this season feels harder than expected, you're not alone. There are many common challenges that show up around the holidays, and it's okay to acknowledge them.
Common challenges around the holidays
Loneliness and isolation: being far from loved ones, living alone or feeling different from those around you can make loneliness feel more intense.
Grief and loss: holidays often highlight who or what is missing. The loss of a loved one, relationship, a job, or familiar traditions can bring sadness and reflection.
Pressure to feel happy: there is a strong message that the holidays should be joyful. When reality doesn't match that expectation, people may feel guilt, shame, or the need to pretend everything is fine.
Family conflict: spending time with family can bring up unresolved tensions, differing values or old patterns of communication that are difficult to navigate.
Divorce, separation, or blended families: changes in family structure can make holidays feel complicated. Dividing time, adjusting traditions, or managing expectations can be emotionally draining.
Financial pressures: costs related to gifts, travel, food, or time off work can create stress.
Burnout: trying to do everything - work responsibilities, social events, hosting, and caregiving can leave people feeling exhausted before the holidays even begin.
Disrupted routines: changes to sleep, eating habits,, exercise and daily structure can affect both physical and mental health.
Social overwhelm: multiple invitations, expectations to attend events, and increased social interaction can feel overwhelming, especially for introverts or those already feeling stretched.
Coping at Christmas
The added pressures of Christmas can be tough, but it's important to know there's always someone you can talk to...
NHS 111: Call 111 and select option 2 to speak to the NHS Mental Health Crisis Response Service 24/7
Papyrus: Under 35s can call 0800 068 4141, Text: 88247, or Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans: Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
MIND: Call MIND's Mental Health Helpline 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 102 1234.
Shout 85258: Text SHOUT to 85258 to contact Shout Crisis Text Line, or text YM if you're under 19.
CALM: Mental Health Forum and chat for Men from 5pm-midnight every day. Call or WhatsApp 0800 585858.
Gentle self-care tips to help you manage
There's no single 'right' way to cope during the holidays. The self-care tips below are not about fixing everything, but supporting yourself in small, realistic ways during a busy and emotional time.
Name how you're feeling: acknowledging your emotions, whether that's sadness, stress or a mixture, can reduce their intensity. You don't have to justify how you feel.
Focus on basic needs: prioritising sleep, regular meals, hydration, and a form of movement can help stabilise your mood and energy levels during busy periods.
Schedule quiet time: intentionally building in moments of rest can prevent overwhelm. Even a short pause can make a difference.
Limit comparison: social media and holiday narratives can fuel unrealistic expectations, taking a break can help protect your wellbeing.
Set boundaries: decide what you can realistically take on and where you need to say no.
Prioritise what is meaningful to you: focus on new traditions, people or moments that matter to you most.
Acknowledge loss: making space to remember or honour what is missing in your own way can be a meaningful part of self-care.
Reach out to talk: sharing how you're feeling with a trusted person can ease the emotional load. Support can come from friends, family or professional services.
The holidays don't need to look a certain way to be valid. It's okay if this season feels different, quieter, or more difficult than expected. Being kind to yourself is one of the most important things you can do.
Success stories
Success Story: Tommy Davis
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing.
Former South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) student, Tommy Davis, now a successful freelance director, is hoping to raise enough money to make a new TV series entitled Cash in Hand, based on the working class struggle in Essex, before pitching to major broadcast networks later this year.
Tommy, from Rayleigh studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in TV and Film Production and achieved the Extended Diploma in 2015. He chose to study at SECG because he wanted to develop his passion for filmmaking and learn the craft in a professional environment with like-minded creative people.
He said: “Before coming to SECG I’d always had an obsession with cameras and making films, from shooting home videos as a kid to creating skateboarding films with my mates throughout my teens.
“SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing. My time there built my confidence and gave me the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
“The equipment at SECG was fantastic; from a full blackout TV broadcast studio for multicamera with live vision mixing, to using the studio as a professional film space with overhead lighting rigs.”
After completing his course Tommy went onto study at London South Bank University, and now works as a freelance film director specialising in music videos and branded content, working with artists, musicians, brands, and record labels around the world.
His job entails directing, producing, and overseeing all aspects of film production; from concept and shot listing to shooting and editing.
He said: “I progressed to my current position by building up my portfolio step-by-step, starting with small videos, then working with bigger artists and brands and continually developing my craft.”
Tommy said that his favourite memory of being at SECG was: “Knocking about with mates and sneaking into the big red auditorium on lunch breaks to watch music videos and Jackass”
He said that his greatest achievement has been: “Travelling the world directing, working with incredible artists such as Stormzy, high profile brands and being nominated for awards including the UK MVAs, the NME Awards, and the Young Arrows for Best New Director.
“My ambition is to get my television pilot Cash in Hand commissioned into a full series”.
A teaser video posted to social media has already gained more than 100,000 views and Tommy has launched a fundraiser to get it off the ground. The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”.
You can support the project by donating here: https://igg.me/at/CASHINHAND/x/18239410#
Take a loook at our updated Film and Television Production course Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
