(NC) The festive season can be both the best and the worst of times.

We are faced with social commitments (or lack thereof), financial pressures and family expectations. It’s also a time that for many can be shaped by grief over loved ones no longer with us. Our personal resources can be stretched to the limit, and in the face of heavy demands and high stress, we often let our own physical and mental health slide.

So, what can you do? Here are some ideas:

• Take breaks to clear your head and get some fresh air. Make time for a class, climb on an exercise bike, or just take a brisk walk around the block.
• Don’t let your eating habits go off track. Overdoing it and not balancing your intake will negatively affect how you feel physically as well as mentally.
• Watch your alcohol intake, especially in the face of a stretch of time typically marked by less sleep than usual. On that note, commit to getting enough sleep.
• When you need support, reach out in a way that suits you, whether it’s talking to a close friend, speaking with your family doctor, locating local mental health resources or trying an online mental health support.

One such option is Big White Wall which, thanks to government funding, is now available free to all Ontarians ages 16 and older through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). An anonymous online peer community, the service is available without a referral to help with anxiety and depression. You can register yourself and start using it immediately as often as you want, whenever you want.

The service provides an opportunity to express yourself verbally or through images on “bricks” about your circumstances and to connect anonymously with others sympathetic and familiar with the issues you may be struggling with. It also provides self-guided courses in the areas of depression, weight management, smoking cessation and grief.

The site is monitored by trained mental health professionals 24/7 who ensure that the community is safe.

Find out more at bigwhitewall.ca.