Tips for Managing Holidays Blues

As we approach the holiday season, all of the merriment, food, family gatherings, and love will be in full swing. While this time of year brings joy for many of us, anxiety and dread are often reminders of where we are, where we aren’t, and who we are while also confirming what we are not connected to.

Holiday blues, what are they?

According to a survey taken by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 64% of people say they are affected, and 24% of those surveyed say they are impacted a lot by the holiday blues. So, what exactly are the holiday blues? Holiday Blues are short-term, temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays that attribute to extra stress, unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others, or even painful memories that can arise during the season. These feelings might also include fatigue, loneliness/isolation, muscle tension, headaches, sadness, frustration, or a sense of loss.

However, you can minimize the stress, anxiety, and sadness accompanying the holidays with some practical tips. You may even find the holidays enjoyable in the end.

Tips to prevent holiday anxiety and depression

1. Acknowledge your feelings. This time of year is often a reminder of losing a loved one or the distance between family and friends due to work, school, or other life events. It’s normal to feel sadness or grief and take some time to honor those feelings and express them.

2. Reach out to others. If you feel isolated or experience loneliness, look to your community for support; some ideas are your religious community, social organizations, or other social opportunities not to be alone. These will offer support and companionship. Volunteer your time to a group or cause, often helping those less fortunate than you help put things into perspective.

3. Maintain healthy habits. Continue with exercise routines and healthy food choices. If you have a regular bedtime routine sticking to it will ensure you are getting enough rest to enjoy the season.

4. Be realistic. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be festive and enjoyable. Change is a part of life; as a family grows and changes, traditions will too. Keep a few of the traditions you have, and make new ones accommodate changes in the family. Avoid overextending yourself with holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, and attending gatherings.

5. Take a break. Make room for yourself without distractions.  You must love yourself! Being intentional about your break will allow time to revive and refresh. Look for something that will reduce stress by slowing down your thoughts and clearing your mind. Some options for this are: taking a walk and enjoying your surroundings, listening to music, prayer, meditation, or reading a book.

6. Seek out professional help if necessary. There may still be those times where despite your best efforts, you may feel persistently sad, anxious, struggling with sleeplessness, sleeping more than usual, feeling irritable, or hopeless. If this happens, a mental health professional can help.

The holidays don’t have to be something you dread. Taking steps to prevent the stress and depression that can arise during the holidays can help you get through and even enjoy the season. Learn to identify your triggers to manage them before they become overwhelming. Planning and employing positive thinking can help you find peace and joy during the holidays.