| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | | The holidays are supposed to be joyful—rich with tradition, social gatherings, and happy memory making. But not everyone feels this way at the first jingle of bells. In fact, many experience sadness, loneliness, painful reflection, anxiety, and depression during this time. This period of sadness is referred to as the "holiday blues" or "holiday depression." | | | Even people who love the holidays can experience the blues during this busy season." | | The most notable sign of holiday blues is an ongoing feeling of sadness. This might be a soft undercurrent of sadness that rears its head more strongly every once in a while, or it might be persistent and obvious.
Along with sadness, some other signs of holiday blues to look for include: - Inability to find joy in the season (especially if certain traditions or events used to make you happy)
- Increased stress, worry, or anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Physical or mental exhaustion
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty focusing
- Change in appetite
- Increased irritability
People with an existing mental health condition may be more likely to experience the holiday blues. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. | | While there's no magic wand you can wave to make holiday depression disappear, there are steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing throughout the season.
Get Good Sleep: Easier said than done, we know, but prioritize a wind down routine in the evening and do your best to get six to eight hours of rest. Lack of sleep can increase stress and affect your mood.
Use Moderation: Make moderation your mantra this season. Whether imbibing spirits, chowing down on yummy holiday treats, engaging in social events, or committing to obligations, opting for moderation is the way to go.
Carve Out Social Time: If loneliness is something you experience during the holidays, you're not alone. Long distance, finances, social isolation, and lack of time all act as constraints to spending time with loved ones. Say yes to the local invitation, schedule phone calls or Zoom meetups, and stay connected as best as you can.
Reduce Expectations: From picking out the perfect tree to getting all the right gifts to decorating your home, there's so much pressure to make everything perfect. This can all lead to intense holiday stress. This year, lean into the beauty of imperfection and do your best to go with the flow.
Save Money: Financial stress is another burden come holidays. Consider ways you can save money and avoid overextending yourself financially. Maybe that means setting a budget, opting for homemade gifts, thrifting your decor, or asking someone else to host this year. | | Ways to Stay Positive This Week | | | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | This week, take 10 minutes to write down three contributing factors to feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness during the holiday season. For each, write down something you can do to counteract those feelings. | | | |
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