New research reveals that Brits have missed out on 839 million meals together over the last 18 months with 49 per cent saying their mental health has suffered as a result. Three quarters (72 per cent) of people say that eating together is important to them with one in three (31 per cent) using it as an opportunity to talk openly with friends and family.
Zizzi and the Mental Health Foundation polled over 1,000 UK adults and found that 83 per cent prefer to have physical conversations as opposed to virtual conversations, with 57 per cent planning to reunite this Christmas.
Dr David Crepaz-Keay from The Mental Health Foundation comments: “Christmas is such an important time of year to connect with loved ones, and also check in on one another. The pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone’s mental health, but sharing meals with trusted friends is a good way to confront that anxiety and build confidence.”
To help increase people’s confidence when eating together, Zizzi has worked with chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson, to produce a free set of ‘Merry Moments’ cards that are being given away in Zizzi restaurants and with every Zizzi takeaway, giving tips and advice on how to look after your mental health over the festive period.
Kimberley Wilson, psychologist, comments: “Sharing food is an ancient way for humans to show that we care and that we are invested in each other’s wellbeing. This means that we experience sharing food as a sign of trust and closeness, feelings that can help us to have honest conversations.”
Top tips for looking after your mental health over Christmas are:
- Connect with others – combat loneliness by reaching out and connecting with friends, family and neighbours
- Express gratitude – taking time to say thank you gives you a positive boost too
- Accept who you are – do not put yourself under undue pressure if you don’t feel up to it this Christmas
- Keep active – it may be cold and tempting to stay in bed, but get up and get out for a walk and run to release positive endorphins
- Ask for help – if you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. A problem shared really does make you feel better
- Eat well – a little overindulgence is fine, but recognise we’ve you’ve had enough sugar as it can have a noticeable effect on your mental health
- Care for yourself – take a moment each day for self-reflection and keep some kindness for yourself
- Do something you’re good at – positive self-esteem boosts your mood, so lose yourself in something you’re good at
