It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so many people say. With the holiday season arriving, we are constantly inundated with Christmas decorations, pumpkin spice everything, Thanksgiving recipes, and a whole lot of family reunions. For a lot of people, these are truly the greatest moments of the year, with the atmosphere bringing a cozy feeling even as the temperature drops (the latter doesn’t apply in PR though). But for others, these months are overtaken by the holiday blues.
The holiday blues is a term used to refer to the feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or sadness during the holiday season. These feelings can be brought on by a number of reasons, among these the pressure of holiday expectations, being away from your loved ones, or tension from having to go back home. Being someone who struggles with these symptoms during the holidays can be very hard given the overall image of it being a happy or cheerful time, but know that you aren’t alone. As the holidays approach, here are some tips that may help you.
1. Self CARE
During highly stressful periods, it can be easy to neglect ourselves. Adding self-care to your schedule is something that will help you prioritize your well being and allow for some relaxing time during a busy day (or a lazy one!). You can begin your day with affirmations, make your skin care routine fun by pretending to be an influencer, read that book on your TBR before bed, etc. In my opinion, self-care includes all those activities that will help you reduce your stress levels and make your everyday life happier, so nurture them all!
2. KEEP IN TOUCH
Many times, when we feel sad or overwhelmed with negative feelings it can be easy to isolate ourselves into a cocoon. And while alone time is very important and can be helpful at times, it can also make those feelings worse for some. Reach out to people! Sometimes having a FaceTime call with a friend dissecting the latest episode of whatever show you enjoy (Jujutsu Kaisen in my case) is a great way to keep in touch. You can also plan low-stress activities at home to avoid being overstimulated, like movie nights, coffee dates, or a paint and wine lunch. Reminding yourself that you aren’t alone is very important, your support system is there for you!
3. explore hobbies
Finding new interests and activities is always an amazing way to manage anxiety and keep yourself busy. You could try crocheting with tutorials, or follow a yoga instructor on YouTube. You can attempt that Pinterest recipe you’ve had saved up for months, or you can bake. Whatever interests you, give it a try! And remember, you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it. So even if you think you’re terrible at it, if you like it and it makes you happy, keep at it!
4. reach out
While all these tips can be helpful, seeking help is also something you can do. Taking care of our emotional and mental wellbeing is incredibly important and professional guidance can help you navigate your feelings, and provide you with extra support to properly manage.
It is also very important to mention that what we refer to as the holiday blues is not the same as seasonal depression, or SAD. This depressive disorder tends to last 40% of the year, affecting around 5% of adults in the US, more frequently women according to the American Psychiatric Association. If you feel any of its symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional.
Holidays can be a beautiful time, but for many they can also be a tough time. Remember to be kind, and to be there for your loved ones. Check in with your friends every now and then, plan get-togethers, and know you aren’t alone!