Guide to help those feeling 'snowed under' during festive season

South Lanarkshire Council is offering support to locals over the Christmas period by sending the message not to feel ‘snowed under’.

The local authority launched its Feeling Snowed Under – a guide to surviving Christmas campaign to offer assistance to those who may be struggling over the festive season.

Council leader John Ross said: “We do of course recognise that Christmas and New Year are a time of great celebration for many people.

“However, this campaign highlights that for others it is a really difficult time that can bring financial pressures, stress, loneliness and may even be a reminder of sad times associated with this period of the year.”

The guide outlines a range of ways people can reduce stress and maintain stable mental health during the period.

Activities such as relaxing and socialising can help people improve their mental health and reduce stress.

Other tips that are mentioned in the guide include drinking sensibly and not exceeding the recommended number of units of alcohol.

Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding over-indulgence is also suggested to improve a person’s mood.

Being active is also encouraged as simple exercises such as walking can reduce anxiety and depression and boost self-esteem.

Depute council leader, Maureen Chalmers, said: “We want people to know that support and help is out there.

“That’s why we have updated the leaflet, Feeling Snowed Under – a guide to surviving Christmas, which is full of handy hints and tips as well as useful information and phone numbers in case you need support.”

People who require support during the holiday period will receive it through pre-planning as there will be fewer staff working in some services.

Access to health and social work services over the Christmas holidays will be closed on December 27 and 28 and January 3 and 4.

The council’s guide to being healthy during the festive period and protecting mental health is available to download online here.

By local democracy reporter Shannon Milmine