Coping with the Holiday Blues
Image: Thanks to Unsplash Jakob Owens
The holiday season can be a jolly time but people experience a lot of stress and even depression during this time of the year as well. Not everyone is in a festive mood. The media is full with things one “has” to have or do — buying gifts, cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few
Many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season and everyone who is already living with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness during this time. It’s important to watch out for triggers to prevent feelings of loneliness, sadness, fatigue, tension and a sense of loss and not build up our expectations too high.
Here are some suggestions which can help to prevent getting the holiday blues:
Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay not wanting to be part of the Christmas celebration. If you do not feel in the right mood because you might be grieving or for other reasons, don’t try to force yourself to be happy just because everyone expects it.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. 7cups is open 24/7 throughout the year, check the community calendar for events.
Volunteering your time to help others is a good way to lift your spirits.
Be realistic and do not expect too much. Many people try to have the perfect Christmas and that creates a lot of pressure.
Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Handmade gifts are unique and can be a wonderful surprise.
Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute. Often things like pastries or patties can be prepared ahead of time and be frozen until needed.
Say no if you feel overburdened and get invites and stick to it when you feel that you need me-time.
Don't abandon healthy habits. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
Try these suggestions:Make some time for yourself. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers.
What is your coping strategy to prevent feeling overly stressed or getting the holiday blues?
If the holiday blues turn into something more serious or if your sadness doesn’t ease after the holidays are over, your symptoms might be a sign of something else.
Please reach out for guided help if you think your symptoms are related to mental health problems.
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7cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information click on link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
@amiablePeace77
These are super amazing suggestions, Ami, thankyou for making this post, and for the comfy words. ❤
We are all together in this indeed. *offers hugs to everyone reading this* ❤
@amiablePeace77
This is such an insightful post.
I not only get overwhelmed during festivals and holidays but also on birthday parties and occasional functions at home.
I am an introvert by nature and most times i like to keep to myself.
Thank you for sharing this i really needed to hear that i am not the only one who feels this way. Also, these suggestions are super handy and helpful.
I will stop feeling guilty from now on and prioritise my own mental health.
@hardworkingKite6195
I can see that being an introvert it can be challenging to deal with the festive crowd. Glad you find the suggestions helpful.
@amiablePeace77 What is your coping strategy to prevent feeling overly stressed or getting the holiday blues?
I don't know if I struggle with the holiday blues exactly, but I definitely struggle immediately after the holidays are over. I struggle with seasonal depression and the winter time can be tough after Christmas because there's nothing to look forward to. I really try to keep positive and find the joy in the little things that come after the holiday!
@fruityPond7887
The time before and during Christmas can be so busy, there is often so much to do, to focus on and so when all is over it feels "extra quiet". Finding joy in the little things helps me too and they are always there 24/12 when I open my eyes to see them.
@amiablePeace77 Thank you for sharing that with me! There is always something to be grateful for ❤️
@fruityPond7887 Think Spring.
I hope this helps, some.
@calmMango9611 I like to think about all the beach time that is coming up! I can't wait to swim in the nice water again!! 😊
@fruityPond7887 That is a very nice thought to have.
@calmMango9611
@fruityPond7887 Your funny.
@fruityPond7887
Thank you for sharing this funny picture, it instantly put a smile on my face! 😃
What a wonderful post Ami and a nice reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves during the holidays. Thank you for this! It really resonated with me. 🌻
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
Glad you liked the post Lisa.
@amiablePeace77 Amia, my friend.
What an amazing and timely post, you made.
You did a beautiful job.
Thank you for writing this post.
@calmMango9611
Thank you Mango and thanks for all you do here as well!
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS Same hear.
@calmMango9611
I hope you managed to slow down :) A nice little reminder I heard is that what isn't finished on the day is just that... it isn't finished, and that is okay too! Often, we've prepared so much for the holidays that what we have done is more than enough. :) 🌻
@calmMango9611 Hehehe I try 😄🌊☀️🐶😎
@amiablePeace77 I'm so happy that it made you smile! ❤️
