The holiday season can bring much joy but can also bring sadness, stress, and loneliness. According to Mayo Clinic, if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past, you can take charge and prevent stress and holiday depression in the first place.
Prevent Holiday Blues. Anticipate triggers. Plan ahead.
1. Acknowledge your feelings.
Forgive yourself and allow sadness and grief to have a place with you.
2. Volunteer.
Replace loneliness with social activities. Volunteer to help others to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Volunteering creates a sense of humbleness. There’s nothing like serving others to realize how blessed you are! If you’re in need of a volunteer situation, we have plenty! Click here to volunteer!
3. Be Realistic.
Families change and grow and so should traditions and rituals. Be open to letting go of some and adopting new ones. Nothing will ever remain the same, but new memories and moments are there to be enjoyed!
4. Set aside differences.
Accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations. Grace is king!
5. Stick to a budget.
Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Nothing in the world can ever replace the happiness of just being with each other on these special times of the year. Even if you can’t afford all the gifts, your presence is enough.
6. Plan ahead.
Plan menus, schedule shopping, baking, and social events. Life can get really crazy during the holidays! Make a simple “to do” list for all the things that need to get done during this time of the year. You’ll see all your headaches go away with every item on your list checked off!
7. Don’t abandon healthy habits.
Continue regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Have a healthy snack before the party so you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Besides, keeping your workout schedule will make you all the less guilty when you have that extra cookie! Eat up!
Reach Out!
Make a list of people that matter to you in your life. Write down what you appreciate about each person. Then call them and don’t skip over anything. Tell them that you are thank full for them and appreciate who they are. Finally, let them know that you love and care for them. There is nothing like letting someone know else know how much you care for them. Life is short. Love hard!
No matter what your situation is, there’s no need to hang onto any holiday depression! Let’s make this year and every year a beautiful one! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from NAMI CCNS! If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, we are here!
