The holiday season can be both joyful and demanding, and as ostomates, it’s essential to prioritise mental health, especially in the aftermath of Christmas. January can bring a mix of emotions, from post-celebration bliss to potential challenges of the new year ahead.

Reflecting on the holiday season, it’s natural to encounter a range of emotions. Whether it’s the joy of spending time with loved ones or the exhaustion of navigating social events, taking a moment to acknowledge and process these feelings is crucial.

In the post-Christmas period, ensure you allocate time for self-care activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness, these moments are vital for mental well-being. We have prepared a short-list of recommendation activities to help ease the January blues:

Plan new adventures

• Explore short breaks or holidays, brining excitement and anticipation for future plans.

Outdoor exercise

• Break the indoor monotony with short outdoor stints, as even 10-15 minutes of fresh air can uplift mood.

Realistic goal setting

• Adjust overstated New Year’s resolutions, recognising the need for realistic goals.

Creative distractions

• Engage in immersive creative activities for a distraction from low feelings, investing just 5 minutes initially.

Balanced diet

• Opt for a balanced diet over sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods, reducing stimulants like alcohol and caffeine for better sleep.

Daylight utilisation

• Maximise daylight exposure, even indoors, with screen breaks and short outdoor breathers to enhance mood.

Acceptance of “Blue Days”

• Embrace occasional low moments, acknowledging feelings while avoiding prolonged stagnation. Sometimes, self-care involves cozy loungewear, a warm beverage, and a binge-worthy TV series.

Products

• The post Christmas, January blues, can really get you down so why not take the worry of leaks away by using an eakin^® seal!
• eakin^® seals are the number 1 seal on the market for absorbency¹ and mouldability², capturing any output that’s not made its way into your bag and allowing you shape and stretch to your body and stoma shape, providing you with a secure fit and protecting against leaks. 

Remember, prioritising mental health is a continuous process. By acknowledging and addressing your emotions, you’re taking significant steps towards a positive and fulfilling post-Christmas experience.

1. McGroggan G, Haughey S and McDowell K (2018) An absorbent, enzyme-inhibiting seal reduces peristomal skin complications. Gastrointestinal Nursing 16:1 42-4

2. T.G. Eakin Laboratory Testing Summary report, ostomy seals 2023 (Data on file) EA-005683-ST