Beating the Holiday Blues
There’s no doubt the holidays are a special time of year. It’s supposed to be about family, friends, parties, gifts, celebration, and joy. But, it doesn’t always feel like that, and certainly not for the entire season. A lot of the holiday season is spent worrying about the amount of presents you bought, or maybe a lost loved one, or some of the people you’d rather not visit. This time of year heightens all the feelings, including the not so jolly ones. It is not unusual to feel sad or anxious during the holidays, says the Mayo Clinic, and there are a few ways to not only make it through, but to enjoy your holiday as well.
Holidays can bring out sadness
If you watch a few commercials during the holidays, it’s very clear what we should be doing: buying expensive gifts for people and ourselves, dressing up and going to parties, and eating enormous amounts of food. That’s what the holidays are for, right? Not necessarily, says the Mayo Clinic. They suggest not abandoning your healthy habits this time of year. Loosening up for the holidays is one thing, but making it a free-for-all can lead to stress and guilt. Instead keep up your regular practices that make you feel good; your regular sleep schedule, healthy meals, exercise. Before you hit that party, make sure you eat a healthy snack so you don’t make poor decisions at that buffet table. The article also smartly suggests keeping social media to a minimum during the holidays saying, “information culture can produce undue stress.”
Pressure to act, spend, or show up a certain way is high during the holidays, says Parade, and that can cause a lot of stress. The holidays can also be a reminder of lost loved ones and you do not need to fight your way through the holidays, or even “sit back and struggle,” says the article. Seeking out professional help has never been more accepted in our culture than right now. A therapist can help you create boundaries with uncomfortable situations, help you learn how to detach when necessary, and set limits, says Self Magazine. Talking about what’s bothering you can really help, says the article.
It can be hard to get into the holiday spirit
The holidays are supposed to be full of traditions. Decorating, present-giving, cookie-making, caroling, and all sorts of activities passed down from family are supposed to fill up our celebrations. But what if you didn’t have many growing up? What if you lost the person you did them with? What if you simply don’t enjoy some of the traditions? That’s ok. You don’t need to erase the image of a “perfect holiday” from your mind, you just need to adjust it, says Healthline. So what if you don’t make those crumbly cookies your great-great-great aunt made that you don’t really like (and maybe the rest of your family doesn't either)? Make something else! Starting new traditions can be fun and allow you to reimagine how your holiday can suit you better.
The holiday season comes around once a year. It floods us with all the happy images, all the gifts, and all the feelings. Even though we know, in our hearts, it’s also our holiday, it seems like we are celebrating for others. Even if it’s for a week, a day, or an hour, do something for the holiday that is just for you. Take time to enjoy it and make it yours. Then, you can send that care and compassion out to others. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown?
Talk to a Counselor in Bend
It’s never a bad idea to speak to a counselor or therapist if you feel down, depressed, anxious or just need to be heard. Those in the Bend area can come to the Blissful Heart Wellness center campus to speak with one. Please see our counselor page here to schedule your appointment.