Dealing With The Holiday Blues
The holiday season, while filled with joy and celebration, can also bring about feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness, often referred to as the "holiday blues". Here are ten practical steps you can take to help manage these feelings and make the most of the holiday season.
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to not feel jolly all the time. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions without judgment.
Reach Out: If you're feeling lonely, seek out community events or volunteer opportunities. Helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Set Realistic Expectations: The holidays don't have to be perfect. Choose a few favorite activities and focus on enjoying them, rather than trying to do it all.
Stick to a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts and other holiday expenses, and stick to it. Financial stress can add to your holiday blues.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Don't let the holidays become a dietary free-for-all. Try to get plenty of sleep and incorporate regular physical activity into each day.
Take a Breather: Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
Limit Alcohol: While you might be tempted to drown out your feelings with holiday cheer, alcohol can actually increase feelings of depression.
Stay Open to New Traditions: If old traditions bring up painful memories, create new ones that bring you joy and comfort.
Seek Professional Help If Needed: Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious. If these feelings last for a while, talk to a mental health professional.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and experience the joy of the current activity fully, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
Remember, it's okay to seek help if your holiday blues are too much to handle alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers resources and support for people struggling with mental health issues.