The Holiday Blues

Holidays are here, and not feeling it? There are several things that can add to the holiday doldrums. Whether it’s something as simple as overscheduling yourself or a deeper emotional need, it’s possible to work through your emotions and start over.

Here are nine ways to cope with the holiday blues:

Limit alcohol – Limit your alcohol intake, and try not to keep it readily available around your house. If you’re attending a party and you know alcohol will be accessible, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and intensify any negative feelings that you may have. Get plenty of sleep – Try to go to bed at a certain time each night. Being well-rested can enhance your mood and help you feel ready to take on the day.

Learn to say “no” – Overscheduling and not honoring time for yourself can lead to emotional breakdowns. Learn how to say “no,” and stay firm on your decision. Be open to new traditions – You may have an image of what you think the holiday should entail, and this may not be what’s actually happening. Instead of holding on to what the holiday should have been, allow new traditions to unfold.

Get support when mourning a loved one – If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be especially difficult. Although it can be tempting to isolate yourself and grieve, it can be favorable to spend time with your friends and family. They can support you through this challenging time.

Spend time with your loved ones – Instead of spending the holidays alone at home, get your friends or family together for a dinner party at your place. The more the merrier! You can spruce things up with lively decorations and add welcoming floral arrangements to your living spaces.

Exercise regularly – Plug in your headphones and pop out for a walk around the block a couple of times a day. A quick 10-minute walk will get your heart rate up and release mood-boosting endorphins.

Do something fun to get over a recent breakup – It can be difficult to be alone when you’re nursing an aching heart. Instead of sitting at home, fill up your calendar with activities. Websites such as meetup.com offer group outings, such as dinners and dancing, almost every night of the week.

Avoid overeating – Before heading out to social events, fill up on veggies. You can even fill up a small sandwich bag and snack in the car. Holiday outings can often lead to overeating, which can affect your mood and overall well-being.

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for older adults. If you’re unable to be with friends or family this holiday, look for volunteer opportunities that allow you to be around others. Some non-profits will even come pick you up if you’re unable to drive.

The holiday doldrums are real and can disrupt your life in a serious manner. You may be able to ease your symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes, such as limiting your alcohol intake and scheduling time with friends and family. If lifestyle changes aren’t relieving your symptoms, you may want to consider speaking with a trusted professional.

Take heart in knowing that these tips, when done proactively, can help a great deal in heading off any sort of despair, so practice them daily so they become second nature. It is my hope that you find these truly beneficial! To take the conversation further, feel free to reach out for a discovery call-just click the Book A Free Call link!