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NHS Wales mental health staff share festive wellbeing tips

Mental health professionals from NHS Wales have come together to share their top wellbeing tips for the festive season.

Drawn from experience across services nationwide, the practical suggestions aim to help people manage stress, avoid pressure, and focus on what really matters at Christmas.

The festive period is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many it can bring financial strain, loneliness, or feelings of grief.

NHS staff hope these tips will remind us that Christmas doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that it’s okay to prioritise our own wellbeing.

Text Reads: Give yourself permission to rest. It

Fionnuala Clayton, Project Lead for the Online CBT Service, managed by Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “The festive season can bring unique pressures, and it’s easy to forget to look after ourselves. These tips are designed to help people pause, reflect, and protect their mental wellbeing.

“Taking small steps, like giving yourself permission to rest or reaching out for support, can make a big difference.

“Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and we want everyone to know that help is always available.”

Among the tips shared by NHS Wales staff:

  • Be mindful of social media use – avoid comparing your life to curated online versions and focus instead on real connections.
  • Give yourself permission to rest – say no when you need to and take quiet time.
  • Don’t overspend – children remember laughter and time together, not expensive gifts.
  • Talk about how you feel – there’s always someone who wants to listen.
  • Eat well and drink sensibly – and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
  • Practice self-compassion – treat yourself as you would a close friend.

Text Reads: Kindness and self-compassion are the greatest gifts you can give- and cost nothing. Self- compassion isn

All the staff members work in departments who are able to refer patients to the free online mental health support service, SilverCloud.

The service is provided free of charge by NHS Wales and is also available via self-referral - without seeing a GP - to anyone aged 16 or over dealing with mild-to-moderate mental health issues including anxiety, stress, depression and sleep.

It will be accessible 24/7 throughout the holiday period.

Visit www.nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com to sign up.

Download the complete set of tips here

 

Published: 16/12/2025