The holiday season is usually the time of the year where spirits are high and most people are filled with joy and cheer. This is however not the case for everyone. For some, this time of the year causes stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Holiday blues are more common than you think, and they occur for a variety of reasons. The holidays can be very lonely when you don’t have a significant other, if you don’t have family, or if you live far away from your family. As other people make fun plans, you are reminded of how alone you are. If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, this time can be especially difficult. You remember past holidays spent with them and the grief you feel can dampen the festivities.
Stress levels also increase due to the pressures of gift-giving and the commercialism that accompanies the season. You may feel guilty or even ashamed because of your financial difficulties. And finally, many people are also affected by the lack of sunshine during the winter months. The cold, dark weather can deplete your energy and make you depressed.
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Here are 5 Strategies to Beat the Holiday Blues:
1. Take Care of Your Health
Limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks when you attend parties and avoid overeating as this can affect your mood and energy levels. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can improve your body’s internal clock, which tends to get thrown off during the short, winter days. And finally, don’t skip the gym. Maintain your exercise routine as much as possible.
2. Stay Busy
Schedule events so that you are occupied and not alone for extended periods of time. Resist the temptation to isolate as this will only worsen your loneliness.
Go to a coffee shop or a bookstore so that you are around people or check out that new Meetup group you’ve been thinking about attending. If you know someone who is also spending the holidays alone, reach out and connect with them.
3. Volunteer
If you are feeling down, volunteering in your community is a sure way to lift your mood. You will feel better about yourself and you’ll get your mind off yourself and your problems as you focus on someone else.
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Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and feel more connected. You can serve food at a shelter, stock shelves at a food bank or give your time at a clothing drive. There are a variety of volunteering opportunities around this time of the year.
4. Take a Social Media Break
We see photos of family gatherings, smiling children and couples in love and we start to compare our lives to the highlight reels our friends post on social media.
But remember no one’s life is ever as perfect as it seems. You might want to limit your social media consumption during this time. Unfollow or mute any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
Many people are sad and lonely during the holidays, so you are not alone in feeling this way.
Take the pressure off yourself to be happy if you really don’t feel happy. Fighting against or suppressing your emotions will only make you feel worse. Accept them for what they are and be compassionate to yourself.
6. Try Remote Meet-ups
The pandemic has caused many people to go months without being able to see their loved ones and while many have gotten vaccinated and started traveling again, many still don't feel comfortable traveling and/or putting their family at risk.
If the pandemic has put a damper on your holiday plans with your family, consider doing a remote meet-up via Zoom or another platform. You can even eat dinner together, watch TV and do some of the same activities you would do in person.
This will allow you to feel like you are somewhat there even if you're not and hopefully ease your sense of loneliness.
Whatever the reason for your sadness, remember that this is just a season that will soon be over. If, however, your symptoms of depression become overwhelming or if you feel like nothing you do is helping, think about getting help from a professional. Reach out to your doctor or a therapist.
