It’s that of year again, the last days of the holiday season. You made it through Thanksgiving and now it’s Christmas time and New Year’s. Everybody loves the holidays – tree lightings, festive gatherings, family parties and grab bag exchanges. But honestly, now more than ever, some people simply don’t enjoy this time of year.
The factors – the pandemic, loss of love ones, social distancing and the anxiety and fear of gatherings with family or friends. Stress and the reduction of sunlight also play an important role in “holiday depression.” Holiday depression affects one million people every year. It’s an emotionally charged season.
If you’re feeling more down in the dumps than usual, here are some suggestions to ward off and avoid the holiday blues.
1. Go Against the Norm and Do Something Different..
The holidays don’t have to be like holidays of your past. Be realistic. Families change and grow and traditions and rituals change as well.
Instead of going to your family’s for the holidays, plan a trip with your best friends. A small getaway is probably just what you need at the end of the year. It will make you feel better. Get some rest, eat and drink in moderation and just have fun. Make some new holiday memories.
Invest in yourself and travel. Make yourself a priority. Life is short and unexpected.
2. Give Social Media a BREAK!
During the holidays, limit your time on social media. Every second, someone posts their Christmas decorations, celebrations with friends, holiday meals cooked, and shopping victories on social media. Avoid the stress and depression the holiday season brings by comparing your life to someone else’s. Half of the images, lifestyles, and moods suggested on social media are fake anyway.
Remember, the holidays are not typical anymore. Stop and regroup.
Listen to positive podcasts or find a great book to read. When was the last time you read a book or listened to an audible book?
3. Be The Inviter…
Waiting around for invites can be stressful. Sometimes they just won’t come. So what do you do? Plan your own holiday gathering and control your invitation list. Avoid the anxiety of unexpected guests. And during this pandemic, don’t feel afraid to ask your guest to show you their vaccination cards before they visit your home.
Avoid stress. Knowing who’s been vaccinated will impact your mood.
4. Re-CONNECT!
The reason for the season is often swallowed up by maddening materialism that distracts you from the history, meaning, and significance of holiday celebrations.
Rededicate yourself to spiritual pursuits. Go back to your disciplines. Prayer and meditation time is important. While your sleeping pattern may be off, you can use this unexpected time to step back, slow down, refocus and reconnect.
Center yourself and your emotions.
5. Have a Plan…
Have a plan to deal with your feelings. For example, try to surround yourself with people who care about and support your family, friends, and church members. And best yourself an exercise program and, if necessary, see your doctor or therapist and learn to say no. Other’s expectations are not a reason for your mental health to suffer.
Keep your expectations realistic. Prioritize and reduce self impose holiday preparations—delegate responsibilities. Realistically plan your budget spending and shopping. Do less and enjoy more.
Make it a point, to be honest with yourself, and if necessary impossible, limited time and situations/people you want to be around.
Remember that this is the time to hit PAUSE. It’s a time to rest, be at peace, and make sure you care about yourself. The year is ending soon, but new beginnings are on the horizon.
