Stay Well This Festive Season: Tools to Protect Your Mental Wellbeing at Work
August 19, 2025
Survive the Impending Holiday Hustle
In recent years, workplace wellbeing has become a high-priority conversation – and for good reason. As the year wraps up, the pressure tends to pile on: deadlines tighten, family obligations multiply, and the holiday social calendar can feel relentless. Whether you’re managing a team, running a business, or simply trying to stay afloat, this time of year can test even the most resilient among us.
At Get Mentally Fit, we hear time and again from clients and colleagues that “the lead-up to Christmas is when it all feels like too much.” That’s why we’ve put together a practical, research-informed toolkit from our Get Mentally Fit Articles to help you manage mental wellbeing over the festive season – and enter the new year feeling recharged, not run down.
🎁 Be There for Everyone – Including Yourself
“The Benefits of Laughter and Play”
End-of-year tension is real, but so are the mood-boosting benefits of joy. Sharing a laugh – especially in the workplace – can trigger a flood of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. These feel-good neurochemicals reduce stress, promote social bonding, and boost creativity and problem-solving.
In fact, studies have shown that humour and playfulness in teams improve resilience and communication, particularly under pressure (Cooper et al., 2018).
So whether it’s a lighthearted team lunch, a shared office playlist, or simply making time for fun – injecting a little play into your workday may be just the reset everyone needs.
🧠 Tip: Take five minutes today to connect with someone over a funny memory or shared joke. The impact is more powerful than you think.
🚫 Respect Your Limits
“The Power of Saying No: Protecting Your Wellbeing at Work”
The word “no” may be small, but its power is mighty – especially during the festive rush. Overcommitting to events, people, or extra tasks can push you past your physical and emotional limits, leading to burnout or resentment.
Psychologist Dr. Vanessa Patrick refers to saying no as “an act of self-leadership” – a decision that protects your time, energy, and wellbeing. When you say no strategically, you’re saying yes to rest, clarity, and control.
🧠 Tip: Instead of responding with “I’ll see what I can do,” try: “I won’t be able to take that on right now, but thank you for thinking of me.”
🔕 The Health Benefits of Being Quiet
“The Quiet Advantage: Surprising Health Benefits of Embracing Silence”
With constant notifications, background noise, and social obligations, peace and quiet can feel elusive. But moments of intentional silence offer deep psychological benefits—reducing cortisol, restoring mental clarity, and allowing the nervous system to reset.
Even five minutes of quiet, ideally in nature or a calm environment, can positively shift your mood and reduce stress.
🧠 Tip: Try a two-minute breathing reset between meetings or a short tech-free walk during your lunch break.
🎄 10 Tips for Surviving Your Family at Christmas
” 10 Sanity-Saving Tips for Surviving Your Family this Christmas”
Family dynamics can be complicated – especially during the holidays when emotions, expectations, and personalities collide. While festive traditions can bring joy, they can also spark stress, conflict, or emotional fatigue.
Preparation is key. From setting boundaries to planning for downtime, the right strategies can help you maintain harmony – and your sanity.
🧠 Tip: Before any family gathering, set one realistic emotional goal (e.g. stay calm, stay curious, step away when needed). Then hold yourself to it gently.
Stay Well This Festive Season, From Us
We know that the festive season is a time of both celebration and challenge. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply doing your best to juggle work and life – these tools can help you finish the year strong and begin the next with intention.
At Get Mentally Fit, we’re committed to helping organisations and individuals thrive – not just survive. Our tailored solutions support healthier functioning at work, better self-leadership, and long-term psychosocial wellbeing.
🗣️ Get in Touch – if you’re ready to give the gift of mental wellbeing in your workplace, we’re here to help.
Wishing you a safe, joyous, and mentally rejuvenating festive season,
The Get Mentally Fit Team
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