​Christmas is a challenging time for many; it’s a time that reminds us of those we’ve lost and during which many find themselves navigating strained (maybe even painful) relationships with family members. Despite this, many people feel pressured to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude during this difficult time, and may feel disheartened when this isn’t achieved. Flash forward to 2020 where we’re nearly a year into a global pandemic, over 1.7 million individuals have lost their lives and the entire world is grieving. Many people, myself included, will likely feel a range of emotions on Christmas day– sadness, anger, nostalgia, frustration, stress– you name it. The grief that we’ve all experienced on some level this year will likely only amplify these feelings. Here are some tips on how to make Christmas day a little more bearable this year: 
 
1)Reach out to your support network.
On Christmas day, make a point of reaching out to the people who know you best and with whom you feel comfortable sharing difficult emotions. This will help you to feel validated and will also help to mitigate some of these difficult emotions by connecting with someone you care for and who cares for you. 
2)Allow yourself time to reminisce and grieve.
Many of us have experienced grief at some level this year. Allow yourself time to remember and mourn those that you’ve lost, as well as the difficulties associated with this year. You may wish to do something to honour your loved ones on this day, such as lighting a candle or playing their favourite music. Christmas can also remind you of people you’ve lost with whom you had a complicated relationship or things were left unresolved at the time of their death. This is sometimes called complicated grief. You can read about healthy ways of processing complicated grief here: Processing Complicated Grief
3)Set your sights on what’s ahead. 
This Christmas marks the end of what has been an extremely difficult year for many. Now more than ever, it’s important to look ahead to brighter days to come. While the current situation is ongoing, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with the acquisition of a vaccine. I encourage you to spend some time thinking about what’s ahead this holiday season. Start planning something– a trip to visit an old friend, finding an online course in an area of interest, starting a new hobby– give yourself something to look forward to, no matter how small. 
 
If you find yourself in a crisis this season, know that there are resources you can access for help:
 United Kingdom
Samaritans 24/7 Lifeline: 116 123
United States
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

When is the last time you looked up to the moon and stars? Last night, for the first time in ages, I did just that. Looking up at the cotton candy painted sky and crescent moon, I immediately felt at ease and awestruck – at peace within myself and within the world at large. 
 
Research shows that stargazing might actually have a positive impact on mental health for a number of reasons. On a practical note, the upright posture required for stargazing has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve fatigue and foster positive thoughts. On a more spiritual level, gazing at the night sky reminds us that we’re connected to something much larger than ourselves. It reminds us that we are connected to one another, that we share this beautiful world and, beyond that, this awe-inspiring universe. Stargazing also reminds us of the infinite possibilities that exist, inspiring us to explore, question and search for answers. When I look at the night sky, I’m transported back to the feeling of being eight years old again, feeling as if anything in this world is a possibility just waiting to be explored. As we age and gain life experience, some of us are prone to pessimism and viewing the world as a cesspool of pain and grief. Stargazing reminds us that there are still things left to be explored, both within ourselves and the universe at large. It can remind us that life is not static; however hopeless things may seem, there is always room for exploration and growth. The moon and stars also remind us that, even in times of darkness, light persists. You’ve just got to search for it sometimes. 
 
Tonight, I’d like to encourage you to look at the stars. No matter your religious or spiritual affiliation, remember we are part of something much larger than ourselves and our lives. You have infinite potential. We all do. 
 
Stephen Hawking said it best: 
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”
 
If you’re interested, there are lots of apps available that can be used to identify planets, stars and constellations. I use SkyView Lite:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skyview-lite/id413936865

Happy gazing! :-) ​