Have a simple Christmas to be kind to your mind and the planet

We all love a film that has a strong moral message of a simple Christmas, rekindling a fondness for Christmases past…..before we quickly resort back to greedy consumption that has become the modern norm. But times are changing. There is now a different and more pressing imperative to really engage with a simple Christmas: the care of our precious planet and our mental health. 

Consumerism is at its worse at Christmas, putting pressure on finances and relationships, taking our time, energy, and money in preparing, shopping, and socialising, and crucially taking a huge toll on people and planet.  

Now is the time for us to find a new, more resourceful, less damaging way of celebrating Christmas. Embracing the circular economy and being kind to your mind is the answer and this is nothing but good news for our bank accounts, planet sustainability, and our levels of stress.  

Embrace the circular economy at Christmas:

This means designing, using, and disposing of goods in a way that maximises resources so that we still get something we need, but at a lower cost to the environment. Making things last, re-purposing objects, being environmentally friendly where possible, recycling, and consuming less. Here are some ideas:

• Have a potted tree or make sure you re-use an artificial one for ten years at least

• Use local ingredients and try not to overbuy, especially dairy which is one of the most harmful items poured down the kitchen sink

• Avoid plastic and glittery decorations and use natural or material adornments

• Use recycled or material wrapping paper and crackers

• Agree not to send cards and instead donate to a local charity or food bank

• Rethink gift-giving by buying sensibly and less to reduce the throw-away culture. Give eco gifts, e.g., memberships, reusable coffee cups, etc. Give time, attention, or donations to worthwhile causes

10 commandments to keep it simple and be kind to your mind

Financial and personal resources are both in demand and limited throughout the festive season. Keeping it simple lessens the pressure on your mental health by reducing the number of tasks you feel obliged to do, and the amount of presents and food you feel obliged to buy. These 10 commandments from Mind remind you how to keep it simple and reduce the stress:

1. Thou shalt not be perfect or even try to be

2. Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people

3. Thou shalt leave undone things that “ought” to be done

4. Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin

5. Thou shalt learn to say “No”

6. Thou shalt make time for thyself

7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly

8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy and unattractive at times

9. Thou shalt not feel guilty

10. Thou shalt not be thine own enemy

When has there ever been a stronger message and reasoning that “Less is More”? Let’s keep it simple this year and make gains for people and the planet.

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