The holiday season brings high expectations and the Mental Health Foundation is urging us to look after our wellbeing. “Financial pressure is high at this time of the year, in spite of the media reports that New Zealand is out of the recession, but there are steps that individuals and families can take to ward off stress and look after their wellbeing,” Judi Clements, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation says. The Foundation advises five proven winning ways to wellbeing:

• Connect: visit friends and loved ones.
• Give: the best gift is time – volunteer to help out, spend quality time with loved ones or perhaps organise activities everyone can enjoy.
• Take notice: visit somewhere you’ve always meant to go, make a photo diary of the holiday period or get everyone to list something they’ve been grateful for this year and read it out.
• Learn: rediscover an old interest or take up something new in the New Year.
• Be active: summertime is perfect for outdoor pursuits.

If you get overwhelmed or stressed, talk to friends, family or a trusted person or call a helpline: Lifeline New Zealand (0800 543 354); Youthline (0800 376 633).

Also, for free confidential health advice from a registered nurse these holidays, call Healthline (0800 611 116).