Navigating Through Holiday Blues
The holidays can be hard for some of us and sometimes this time of year just isn’t so merry and bright. While screens and storefronts herald joy and cheer, the reality is the season can set us up for a case of the Christmas blues.
Emotions and demands run high. The overwhelming pressures to shop, be cheery and make it all so picture-perfect can leave us temporarily distressed, anxious and moody. It can be an effort to emotionally survive the holiday season.
The month can be particularly difficult for those dealing with loss, loneliness, family conflict and financial strain. The stress of seeing family we don’t get along with can cause weeks of worry. The empty seat at the Christmas table brings heartache and sadness. For others, there is no invitation to join the festivities – loneliness is a very common trigger for the holiday blues.
We’re bombarded with shiny, perfect Christmas experiences and, the fact is, we fall short when comparing our lives to these unrealistic narratives. How wonderful it would be to temper the expectations and pressures and focus on the things that actually bring us joy and peace.
Elevate spirits by keeping expectations in check and taking stock of what we can be grateful for. Manage the season’s triggers by balancing busy with self-care – it is the pillar of psychological well-being. Although social invitations and end-of-year work deadlines pile up, try to stick to your regular routine when it comes to healthy eating, sleeping and exercising in order to keep your moods and energy levels high.
Know your limits. Be mindful of your time and energy. Overdoing it to please others is draining and unhealthy. Setting boundaries and saying no is OK, and so too is delegating. Say yes to you and nourish your mental well-being.
Be mindful of your alcohol intake, especially if you’re already feeling down. While “Eat, Drink and be Merry” is in full force, alcohol is linked to worsening issues of anxiety and depression and actually can be the cause and not the cure for your low moods.
Spend time where your heart feels safe and happy. Be inspired by a comforting place that heals and recharges – could be through music, nature, calling your bestie, a long hot bath, or a massage. Look for 20 minutes a day to break from we-time for some calming me-time.
Focus on the present and be present. Remember past holidays with fondness while enjoying the one that is right in front of you. Create new memories and traditions. Call someone you think may be struggling and invite them for dinner. Volunteer your time in your community – this is both a mood booster and a chance to feel a real connection.
Meanwhile, holiday blues generally lift after the holidays pass but if the sadness and melancholy linger, it may actually be SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a form of depression reoccurring seasonally and mainly triggered by lack of sunlight. Seek help from a mental health professional.
