The Christmas Survival Guide: Why Planning Ahead Protects Mental Health at Work and at Home
I know it feels early to be talking about Christmas, it’s only October, after all. But for many workplaces and families, the stress begins well before December even arrives. Deadlines are tighter, workloads increase, and expectations around gifts, social events, and family obligations grow heavier.
For employees living on minimal, or in fact any wage, the financial pressure of Christmas can be especially overwhelming. For employers, balancing end-of-year targets with supporting staff wellbeing can be challenging.
The good news? With a little planning and the right strategies, both employers and employees can make this season calmer, healthier, and more meaningful.
The Hidden Costs of Christmas Stress:
At work: Stress can reduce focus, increase absenteeism, and contribute to burnout just when productivity is most important.
At home: Financial strain and exhaustion spill into family life, creating tension instead of joy.
For health: Studies show stress impacts sleep, increases the risk of illness, and contributes to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
This is why planning early is not just practical, it’s a vital part of protecting mental health.
Tips for Employees: Staying Calm Through the Season
Create a budget and stick to it – Financial pressure is one of the biggest stressors. Even a simple weekly savings plan in October can ease the December squeeze.
Rethink gifting – Homemade gifts, shared experiences, or giving the gift of your time can mean just as much (if not more) than expensive purchases.
Rest is not optional – Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Try setting boundaries with late-night events and giving yourself time to recharge.
Talk about it – If you’re feeling stretched thin, share your concerns with a friend, colleague, or support service. Stress thrives in silence.
Tips for Employers: Supporting Your Team’s Wellbeing
Communicate early and clearly – Let employees know about rosters, deadlines, and expectations as soon as possible. Clarity reduces anxiety.
Acknowledge the pressure – Simply recognising that Christmas can be stressful goes a long way in helping staff feel understood.
Be flexible where possible – Even small adjustments to hours or rosters can help employees manage family and financial commitments.
Offer low-cost recognition – Gratitude and appreciation are powerful motivators. A thank-you note, or staff morning tea can lift morale.
Encourage self-care – Share reminders about wellbeing, stress tips, and any mental health resources available through your workplace.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
By October, most people haven’t yet felt the full weight of the holiday season — but that’s exactly the point. Planning early allows you to:
Avoid last-minute financial pressure.
Spread workloads across weeks instead of days.
Create healthier boundaries with commitments.
Support mental health before it reaches a breaking point.
When employers and employees both take small steps early, the benefits are felt across the entire workplace and beyond.
This year don’t wait until December to address Christmas stress. Start the conversation now.
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What’s happening inside the Kerry Ellis Empowered Minds mental wellbeing hub?
The new app with all resources downloaded onto it is being loved and enjoyed by clients. For me I love having a space I can upload resources for all clients to enjoy.
October is mental health awareness month. Continuing the conversation around mental health awareness is crucial to those 1 in 4 Australians that experience a mental health concern.
This month I am offering not only Christmas strategies but tips and tools to work through stress related illness.
My workplace visits are proving to be a hit. If your employer has not booked a visit from me where you and your fellow staff can receive loads of information and handouts, then take this newsletter to them and ask them to book.