November and December are supposed to be the happiest months of the year, filled with celebration and joy. But are they? For some, stress, unrealistic expectations and even memories surrounding the holidays can trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness and anxiety, commonly known as the “holiday blues.” There’s no way to avoid or circumvent the holiday season, so what can you do?
The secret to beating the holiday blues is preparation. Arm yourself with a variety of coping skills. if plan A doesn’t work then be ready to use plan B. Here are 5 simple tips to help you through these months and beat the holiday blues….
1. Exercise. Hit the gym. Go for a walk at the park or even around the block. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes.
2. Plan ahead. Prioritize and manage your time accordingly. Make a schedule or a to-do-list. Pace yourself.
3. Stay away from alcohol and drugs, they tend to make you even more depressed in the long run.
4. Sleep at least 5-6 hours. Being tired can put you in a bad mood. Rest.
5. Attend Support groups. Socialize. Volunteer. Reach out to friends and family. Ask for help.
Remember your physical and mental well being come first. Try not to get caught up with “shoulds”… this should be like that, I should feel like that, that should be like this.
It will take some effort on your part to beat the holiday blues but who knows, you may find some holiday joy along the way. What do you think? Comment below…
Happy Holidays.
Pathway to Recovery 