December 2022 Blog – Holiday Blues

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and new found memories with family and loved ones. Unfortunately, that is not true for all of us. Many of us suffer from the so-called “Holiday Blues.” The typical onset or start of these emotions are around Thanksgiving and may last past New Year’s celebrations when they start to ease off. Typical emotions are: sadness or depressed mood, anxiety, feelings of loss, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, and times of painful reflection on memories past.

The season may induce stress as it expects celebrations and positive, feel good emotions. We are emerged in a culture, social media and retail operators, that flood our senses with advertisements, suggestions and festivities. It is important to validate or recognize our emotional response to the season.

Here are some tips for success:

• Do not binge eat or drink to compensate for your feelings
• Do not isolate yourself but pick and choose your commitments carefully
• Be realistic with your expectations for celebrations
• Prioritize the little things that brings you joy
• Spend time with people whom does not have unrealistic expectations and accepts you for who you are
• Simplify: the menu, the people you choose to be with, your commitments and even your decorations
• Take time to exercise, meditate and pray, spend time in nature and get enough sleep.

Wishing you a blessed season with your loved ones!