Beating the Holiday Blues

The holidays are a beautiful time of the year. Everyone is happy, they’re looking forward to celebrating the season with family and friends and everyone feels wonderful. The problem is it doesn’t always (usually) work that way.

The holidays can be a very stressful time for some people for a variety of reasons. Some of us have a difficult time getting together with family. Some of us are lonely and feel as if the holidays just make the loneliness worse. And. some of us suffer from anxiety and depression all year long and the holidays just magnify the pain. If you hate the holidays, but don’t want to ruin them for everyone else there are a few things you can do to better survive from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day.

Get some sun – If you can’t fly off to Tahiti at least try to get outside on sunny days. If you live in an area where the sun doesn’t make an appearance during the winter months or you work all day and miss the sun then get yourself a SAD therapy lamp. Don’t forget to add vitamin D to your diet too.

Move – While you’re outside get moving. Don’t let your exercise routine fall by the wayside over the holidays. That’s a surefire way to ring in the New Year the wrong way. Who wants to start the new year 5lbs heavier when they don’t have to? Get outside, go sledding, ice skating or just walk around the city looking at all the holiday lights. Fresh crisp air is wonderful and can revitalize the worst of us but if you must be indoors go walk the mall or visit the indoor parts of the zoo. Check out a conservatory if you’re in need of warmth and beauty.

Mingle – If you don’t have a significant other and the thought of going to holiday parties stag makes you anxious consider joining an online dating service. You may not meet someone this year but you’ll have someone next year and that’s something great to look forward to.

Family – Even the best of families have their issues. If your family gatherings always end in tears and anger consider calling a pre holiday truce. Tell everyone that certain subjects are simply off limits while you celebrate. Aunt Judy can complain about your lack of a date on a different day (or not at all) and Grandma can argue with uncle Rodney about the money he owes her next week over the phone. Limit the alcohol and consider bringing out photos from past holidays to remind everyone there are good times to be had.

Lower Expectations – The holidays are never like they are in holiday commercials – I have never met anyone who gave a gift of a BMW or Mercedes. I’ve also never known anyone to get engaged though I am sure it happens. Instead of expecting the world and being disappointed when it isn’t given to you consider going out and making someone else’s day. Donate at the local soup kitchen, give to Toys for Tots, leave cookies for your mail carrier or doorman. Do something for someone else just because. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to give without the expectation of receiving – isn’t that what it’s all about?

If you struggle through the holidays and find yourself in crisis please call 911.