The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but many people dread the festive season. I recently met two sisters who both lost their husband the same year around Christmas time. And even though it was many years ago and they both remarried, they still dread the Christmas season.
The stress and anxiety of the holiday season may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment. And people who are lonely or have feelings of disconnectedness may choose not to seek help because they fear isolation and discrimination. However, avoiding social interactions and withdrawing at holiday time often cause the feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression to worsen. Holiday blues can ruin your holidays but being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can be helpful.
Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression:
- Acknowledge your feelings. It’s OK to take the time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
- Reach out. Seek help. Volunteering your time to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits.
- Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or be “just like last year”. Be open to new ways of celebrating, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
- Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Chances are they’re also feeling the effects of holiday stress.
- Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget.
- Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress and clears your mind and restore your inner calm.
- Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides. Both in real life and on social media, it can be difficult to avoid comparing yourself with others around Christmas time. Don’t label yourself. Create your own memories.
This time of year can be especially tough for people who have experienced a significant loss or a break-up. Stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, social media images of smiling families and friends and family dysfunction may cause holiday sadness. Those of us who don’t have difficulties at this time of year have the opportunity to reach out to someone who is sad or lonely.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ― Kahlil Gibran
Holiday Bill of Rights (by Mental Health America)
You have the right to…
- Take care of yourself.
- Feel mixed up emotions around the holidays.
- Spend time alone thinking, reflecting and relaxing.
- Say “no” to party invitations.
- Ask for help and support from family, friends and community service agencies.
- Say “no” to alcohol, drugs…and seconds on dessert.
- NOT to ride with a drunk driver, to take their keys away and to call a taxi for them.
- Give gifts that are within your holiday budget.
- Smile at angry sales people and/or rude drivers and give them a peace of your mind.
- Enjoy your holiday the way you want.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
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