Holiday Blues.

Handling the Holiday Blues: A Guide to Keeping Your Spirits Bright

The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and joy. But for some people, the holidays can also bring on feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. These feelings are often referred to as the “holiday blues.”

What are the holiday blues?

The holiday blues are a feeling of sadness that can occur during the holiday season, especially during the months of November and December. The busy holiday season, with its high emotions and demands, can leave even holiday lovers feeling stressed and exhausted, experiencing the blues despite their usual cheer.

What are the symptoms of the holiday blues?

Symptoms can include:

• Feeling sad or depressed
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or restlessness
• Feeling hopeless or worthless

What can you do to cope with this?

If you are experiencing the holiday blues, there are a number of things you can do to cope, including:

• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve your mood and energy levels.
• Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods can help to improve your mood and energy levels.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can worsen the symptoms of depression.
• Connect with others. Spend time with loved ones and remember to be in the moment. This has many benefits as can be seen in Take Time To Be In The Moment.
• Seek professional help. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with self-care, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Here are some additional tips for surviving the blues:

• Set realistic expectations. The holidays are not always perfect. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have a perfect holiday.
• Learn to say no. It’s okay to say no to invitations or requests that you don’t have the time or energy for.
• Take breaks from the hustle and bustle. Take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.
• Focus on the things that you are grateful for. Make a list of the things that you are grateful for, both big and small.

Remember that you are not alone. So many people experience the holiday blues. With a little self-care, you can get through the holidays and enjoy this special time of year.