Ways to Avoid the Holiday Blues

For most people, the holidays can be an exciting time of the year, filled with joy, traditions, and quality time with loved ones. But for many others, the holidays are a time filled with anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. All of these feelings are amplified due the nature and commercialization of these holidays, where being unhappy or less jovial makes you an outcast. 

Being sad is a personal experience. What makes one person sad or unhappy might not have that same effect on another person. Being burdened with the expectations of shopping, parties, family obligations, and house guests may cause people to feel overwhelmed, directly resulting in them dreading the holiday season every year. 

Here are a few tips to help you cope with holiday stress and anxiety this year:

Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.

The holiday doesn’t have to be perfect in order to have a great time. Times change and family dynamics can change as well. This might result in certain traditions looking different as time progresses, but these newer traditions can be just as or even more special then those of the past. If family members can’t make it, you can find new and creative ways to interact with them, even if it has to be done virtually. 

Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

Make sure you are setting aside some time for yourself to breathe and collect yourself. Take a small break and do something calming for you, whether that’s stargazing or listening to music, do something that is for you and solely you. That will help you achieve inner peace, which will improve your overall mood and ability to interact with your loved ones. 

If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.

Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, consider dropping off a meal and dessert at a friend's home during the holidays.

Don't abandon healthy habits.

Limit your alcohol intake, and try not to keep it readily available around your house. If you’re attending a party and you know alcohol will be accessible, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings that you may have.

Set aside differences.

Try to accept your loved ones as they are, regardless of whether or not they are living up to your expectations. Try not to resolve any lingering issues that you have with a loved one during a holiday celebration. Those types of discussions can be had at a more appropriate time. Try to be understanding when someone else gets upset about something. Odds are, they are also experiencing their own holiday blues.

Keep track of your holiday spending.

Before you spend any money on gifts or food, determine how much you can actually afford to spend. The amount of money that you spend on someone’s gift and their happiness, should not come at the cost of your own financial stability. Create a budget and stick to it. You can enjoy the holiday season without having to bankrupt yourself. 

Seek professional help if you need it.

If you enact all of these tips and you still are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues during the holiday season, don’t be afraid to reach out to a profession for help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional and get the help that you deserve. Everyone deserves mental wellness, and we, at Counseling Services, Inc., are here to provide you with the aid to make that a reality in your life.