December is a time when normal routines can get pushed aside in favour of festivities.
The extra pressure of shopping for gifts and food, hosting, and spending more time with family, can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The festive season can also trigger difficult feelings ‒ such as loneliness and grief.
If you feel you are focused on simply surviving (rather than thriving) this month, we have some simple, practical tips to help you stay balanced.
Boost your wellbeing at work
Completing an Individual Wellbeing Action Plan (WAP) is a practical and proactive way to identify how you work best and any support you might need. This is a well-used tool developed by the mental health charity MIND, which we have recently adapted to focus on all dimensions of health.
A WAP is a great starting point for a conversation with your line manager or supervisor.
If you haven’t created one before and are feeling the pressure, why not use December as an opportunity to complete yours? When completed, book some time with your manager to talk it through.
Access help and support
As an employee at Bath, you can seek free and confidential help and advice whenever you need it. Health Assured gives you direct access to a team of experienced therapists and advisors 24 hours a day, all year round – even Christmas Day.
Through Health Assured you can obtain practical support and information for a wide range of personal and professional matters – including advice on financial, relationship and family issues.
They also provide a range of wellbeing services to support your emotional health. This includes a personalised wellbeing app with resources such as guided meditation, articles, recipes, health checks, podcasts and tips. The app’s Live Chat feature allows you to contact a dedicated wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls for in the moment support.
Search for 'Wisdom Health Assured' in your app store and enter the code mha201049 to register.
Maintain good habits
When your social calendar is busier than usual, it’s easy to abandon your regular routine and good habits – such as exercise, healthy eating and getting enough rest. This can have a negative impact on your general wellbeing.
It can be helpful to carve out time to maintain the things that help keep you calm and regulated. Whether that’s a trip to the gym, a walk with friends or time for a bit of self-care; keeping up with your routine can help you feel more on top of things.
Find your balance
Try to let go of the pressure for things to be ‘perfect’ and be kind to yourself.
Remember: it’s okay to slow down. Balance is key, and small moments of calm can make a big difference. Prioritise rest and set boundaries where you need to. And most importantly, give yourself permission to enjoy yourself, too.
Find out more about the wellbeing tools and resources you can access as a member of staff.
🔎Watch this space
Look out for details of our updated wellbeing e-learning and a new SharePoint Hub full of tools and resources, which will be launching early 2026.
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