Suffering from holiday blues? Learn how to make things easier!
Look everywhere when the holidays approach and all you can see is happiness and joy. This is why most people think that this is a time when you should be smiling all day long, but what happens when you simply don’t feel like it?
Not everyone experiences this period the same, and this is why the term “holiday blues” is a thing. Many Americans feel down during this season and find it incredibly challenging.
The holiday blues is defined as a combination of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression that affects you during the holiday season. Most of the time this happens to individuals who already suffer from diagnosed disorders, and things just get worse during this time of the year.
But even if you don’t have any diagnosis, the holiday blues can also affect you, and this is why it’s better to be prepared and learn how to manage these unpleasant feelings, which can make your holidays a true obstacle race.
Set realistic expectations
People always portray holidays as a time of endless joy and perfection, but you are the one who knows better how they feel, and setting unrealistic expectations can quickly backfire and bring the holiday blues into your life.
So, the first thing you can do is to be honest with what you want to achieve and also what you expect from others. You need to be as realistic as possible, and most of the time things will turn out ok.
Start by setting your time commitments straight. It’s completely ok to not be able to attend every gathering, bake the perfect treats, or create the most amazing holiday experience. This is why you should try to keep your schedule light. Don’t overload it, or you risk ending up feeling drained. Yes, this is the time you want to spend with family or friends, but don’t forget that the time you spend with yourself is also important.
Also, when it comes to gift giving, set a realistic budget. This will offer you the comfort you need and will shield you from holiday blues. Stick to your budget, and if it helps, you can also try some budget-friendly alternatives like handmade gifts, shared experiences, or heartfelt notes. Remember that the value of a gift is not given by its price tag.
Try to deal with the negative feelings in a healthy way
We know very well that holidays can bring out some of the most powerful feelings that we have harbored all year long, and this is especially true if you’re dealing with loss, loneliness, or isolation. Maybe you want to suppress these feelings even longer and keep the illusion of happiness alive, but if you face these emotions in a healthy way, you will see that you’ll start to feel better and better.
This is not the easiest thing to do, but the first step is to acknowledge what you’re feeling. Anxiety, grief, or sadness are all normal and valid emotions, and this is even truer when you look at the context. This is a time of the year that is filled with memories and traditions, and this can trigger some emotions.
You can make all of these feelings less overwhelming by allowing yourself to feel them. You don’t have to always be happy, and this is completely ok. If talking to someone you trust makes you feel safer, just go for it. Bottling those negative emotions up will only lead to holiday blues, and this is the exact thing you’re trying to avoid.
Sometimes saying things out loud can help you better understand and process your feelings. Also, if you have the possibility, talking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do. Talk therapy is a safe space to explore your emotions.
Take time for yourself
The holiday season can quickly become a neverending thing that you have to do. Parties, gifts, visits, and so on. All of them can overwhelm you, and you should know how to prioritize yourself.
What can you do? Set boundaries! This is the first rule and also the most important one. When you know how to say no to invitations and how to set time limits on how long you are willing to stay with other people, you are the one who is in power, and you are able to make more time for yourself. In your spare time, you can do activities that you normally enjoy, be it reading, cooking, or simply relaxing or watching movies.
But never forget about how important balance is. Yes, alone time is incredible and will give you the chance to recharge your batteries, but you should try to never isolate yourself. Planning meetups with friends or family who uplift and support you is essential.
Planning to further boost your mood and make the holiday blues completely disappear? No problem! Try to incorporate physical activity and sunshine into your routine. A brisk walk in the morning or a yoga session will help your body release endorphins, and this will improve your overall mood and energy levels.
Alone time doesn’t mean neglecting others. It means taking your time to take care of your own needs. By doing this, you can be sure that the holiday blues will not reach you this year.
Overindulging is a big no-no!
This is a time of abundance; the tables are full of delicious foods, tasty treats, and drinks. Everyone is consuming more than ever, and you might feel like you need to do the same. But if you want to avoid the holiday blues, try to not get caught up in the festive spirit and overindulge.
Overeating or overdrinking may lead to physical discomforts like sluggishness and fatigue and can also bring about feelings of guilt or shame afterward. You can still enjoy all of the delights you have in front of you, but it’s essential to consider balance and moderation.
Eat slowly and enjoy every bite you take. When you’re feeling full, just stop. If you feel hungry later, you can eat again. Also, try to avoid alcohol or be very careful of how you consume it. Again, try to maintain a balance because alcoholic drinks can rapidly destroy your mood and also make you feel physically ill.
Stay positive
We know very well how challenging this season can be and how easy it is to get the holiday blues, and a positive mindset is a good approach to making it to the end.
As the year winds down, you’ll probably start thinking about the past months, but it’s very important how you do this. You should try to have a balanced perspective. Acknowledge the hardships you’ve faced, but please don’t forget to celebrate your victories, big or small.
Did you learn something new? Accomplished a goal you’ve set for yourself? Great! These are all positive things, and you need to appreciate the progress you made.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by negative feelings, a good technique you can use is reframing. Try to see what lessons you have learned from the challenges you went through. This approach can help you deal better with disappointment and also create a sense of purpose and growth that can prepare you for the new year that is ahead of you.
Do you need more help with this? Try this amazing workbook: Season’s Griefings: A Holiday Grief Workbook
You should also read: 5 “Normal” Things That Are Actually Depression
