MHF encourages Kiwis to stay connected this Christmas

Christmas is in 10 days and, for many Kiwis, anxiety levels will be going up with concerns about budgets, family commitments, end-of-year work pressures and their own mental health and wellbeing.

“Christmas can be a stressful time of year, but there are things we can all do to reduce the pressure that comes with it, and focus instead on connecting with loved ones and taking notice of the simple things that make you happy,” Mental Health Foundation (MHF) Chief Executive, Judi Clements says.

Looking after ourselves is just as important at Christmas as any other time of year. The MHF reminds Kiwis that the Five Ways to Wellbeing are a great way to stay well, so - Be Active, Keep Learning, Connect, Give, Take Notice and Connect.

“Show you care by calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, wish your neighbours ‘happy holidays’, or lend a helping hand to those within your wider community who may be struggling,” Ms Clements says.

Giving is a particularly loaded term in December, and the MHF is running the Forget the Bling , Do the Whānau Thing Facebook page to remind us all that is our presence, not our presents, that is most important at this time of year.

The Forget the Bling (FTB) campaign is about relieving Christmas of its overwhelming commercialism, and remind families there are lots of low-cost or even free ways to spend time together, celebrate the season, and truly enjoy the holiday without risking getting into debt.

The FTB community grows larger every day; fans gather on the Facebook page to share tips to make Christmas a special time.

FTB fan Andrea will be reading her young nieces and nephews a book by a local children’s author about Hamurana Springs. Later, she and her family will go to the springs together to find the characters in the story, feed the ducks and swans, throw a coin into the wishing well, build sandcastles and share a picnic. “I figure a day off is a pressy for their parents, too!” she says.

FTB vouchers can be downloaded from the MHF website, filled in with whatever a person wishes to give and given to family and friends on Christmas morning. FTB fans suggest giving kids more of your time, while adults might like to receive vouchers redeemable for lawn-mowing, cooking dinner, or a massage.

“We give vouchers to the kids for special family days together – a whole day at the beach, a trip to the movies (on cheap Tuesdays!) or fish and chips. They really love getting to choose when they’ll use the vouchers, and having a special treat they can look forward to,” shares FTB fan, Mere.

The Mental Health Foundation wishes every New Zealander a safe and joyous festive season, and a Christmas in which they can flourish and reconnect.