Christmas can be a hectic and emotional time for everyone in policing. While most people slow down for the holidays, the Police Family – Police Officers and Police Staff alike – is working hard to keep communities safe. Long shifts, early starts, late finishes, and balancing work with home life can take their toll.
You don’t need to make major changes to look after yourself this winter. Simple, thoughtful steps can help you feel steady, supported, and connected during what can be a challenging season.
Nourish your body
Cold weather and long shifts can leave you feeling tired, so make sure to give your body the fuel it needs. Prepare warm meals like soups, stews or porridge ahead of time to help you get through your shift. Keep some simple, high-protein snacks handy for when breaks are unpredictable, and remember to drink water, even if it’s cold outside.
Treat yourself now and then to a bit of chocolate or a mince pie to brighten a long shift. When you eat well, it’s easier to handle stress and the ups and downs of winter work.
Make your own traditions that work around you and your family
Working through Christmas doesn’t mean missing out – it just means doing things differently. Easing the pressure starts with resetting expectations. Keep everyone in the loop about your shift pattern, then sit down together to plan what you can enjoy. Creating new traditions that fit around your routine can make the season feel special in its own way.
That might mean sharing a Christmas breakfast after (or before!) a night shift, swapping presents on a quieter day, or enjoying a peaceful evening together once the house has settled. When you celebrate Christmas on your own terms, it feels less like missing out and more like making it your own.
Make small moments at home count
You don’t need a long holiday to make time for the people you care about. Make the most of the time you do have by catching up with family, seeing friends or enjoying a low-key celebration at home.
Whether it’s chatting over a cup of tea, popping in to see a friend or sharing a meal, these moments can lift your spirits and keep you feeling connected. During the busiest weeks, it’s often the smallest moments that matter most.
Connect with colleagues
Working Christmas shifts can feel isolating, but no one understands the pressures of the job like the colleagues standing beside you. Take a moment to check in during a quiet patch, share a quick brew on a break or bring in a small festive treat to lift morale.
These simple acts of support help strengthen team bonds and can make long, demanding shifts feel more manageable. In policing, your team often becomes your second family – especially at Christmas.
Practise self-care in your downtime
Your time off is precious, so protect it as much as you can. Whether you’re a Police Officer or a member of Police Staff, rest without guilt, switch off from work, and choose activities that help you recharge. That could be a hot bath, a favourite book, a short walk, or precious time with family and friends.
Self-care isn’t indulgent – it’s essential. Taking time to look after yourself helps you return to work feeling refreshed, resilient, and ready for whatever challenges come next.
Why joining a private healthcare scheme matters
Policing places unique physical and emotional demands on you, especially during winter, when stress, fatigue, and illness can build. Access to timely healthcare can make a real difference when you’re trying to stay well while balancing unpredictable shifts and family life.
Joining the National Police Healthcare Scheme gives you faster access to treatment and specialist support. Plus, you will receive FREE membership to the Police Treatment Centres and exclusive access to member-only luxury holiday homes – two additional benefits that will undoubtedly help to put your wellness first this winter, and into 2026.
Being a member of the National Police Healthcare Scheme means less time waiting, quicker recovery, and peace of mind knowing support is there when you need it most. Investing in your health now helps you stay resilient, both on and off duty.
Protect your wellbeing in 2026
Working over Christmas is demanding, but joining the National Police Healthcare Scheme gives you access to healthcare designed for the entire Police Family, helping you protect your health and wellbeing in 2026 and beyond. Apply to be a member today.