Let’s have less Stress this holiday season

It’s only a few more sleeps until Christmas which might make some people feel excited (to see friends and family), happy (to get a few days off), relieved (to have made it!), or it might be a time that’s stressful for all kinds of reasons, including Covid.

For some people with a disability Christmas-time be have added stressors.

If you haven’t already had time to think about a plan to make the next week or so a bit more relaxing, here are a few tips which might help you or someone you love:

1. Check Christmas open times for your local GP, pharmacy and any other services you use regularly. Their opening hours may be different during the Christmas period. Good to know before they are closed so you get organised with medications, prescriptions etc.
2. Contact your service providers to find out if and how your supports will need to be changed. Plan Tracker will be open throughout the holidays except on Public Holidays – Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December, and Monday 3 January. The portal and the App will still be available 24/7.
3. Share a calendar with family and support workers, so they know what’s for you over the Christmas break.
4. Be kind to yourself – Just because some Covid restrictions have eased doesn’t mean everyone feels comfortable and safe being out and about. If you’re comfortable getting together, it’s a great time to spend with family and friends. If not, catch up with them when you do feel more comfortable e.g. after your booster vaccination if that’s what you decide to do.
5. Plan ahead – If you do want to spend Christmas with others, agree on times, preparations and locations so you can organise transport, access and what you need to bring for the day.
6. Reach out – While Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can be a lonely time for others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to support workers, friends and people in your local community – they may be feeling the same way and you can support each other.
7. Thank your carer – Sometimes in the busy-ness of Christmas we can forget to thank the people in our lives that do so much for us. If you have a carer or someone special in your life, make sure you let them know what they mean to you and how grateful you are for their support.
8. Keep it simple – You could be forgiven for thinking everyone (at least on social media) is having a perfect Christmas! After another difficult year, it might be time to take the pressure off and keep things as simple as possible. Smaller gatherings, pre-prepared food, limited gift exchanges etc.
9. Get into the spirit – enjoy a fun, silly or traditional Christmas movie (there are too many to mention here!)  or put on some Christmas Carols. If you can’t get to a live Christmas Carols event you might like to watch Carols in the Domain on TV which will be televised on Channel 7 from 8pm on Friday night. You could really get into the spirit and wear a silly or funny Christmas hat, earrings, T-shirt or decorate yourself (or your pet!).  
10. Get joy from giving. We can forget that Christmas is the season for giving. When you give (big, small, home-made, whatever it is!), it brings joy to others and can make you feel good too.

We wish you all the best for a restful and happy festive season, whatever that means for you.

If you need to talk with someone, please call:

• Beyond Blue 24hour phone line – 1300 22 46 36
• Lifeline phone 24hour phone line – 13 11 14
• Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788
• Men’s Line: 1300 789 978

Questions?

If you are supporting a Participant who is Plan Managed, we have a page made just for you. Check out our ‘Information for Providers’ page here or give us a call 1800 549 670.

Important Note – It’s important always to seek independent financial advice from your accountant or financial advisor.