Practical Tips for the Holiday Blues

The holidays can often bring about an increased pace and with that can come feelings of anxiety and/or depression.  The increased demands of shopping, cooking, and entertaining, or current stressors of poor health or a loved one's health, all can become unmanageable during this time. 

With some practical tips and things to keep in mind this holiday, you can minimize the stress and maybe even enjoy the magical season.

1. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. 
2. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time. Prioritize.

3. Don't abandon healthy eating habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. 

   • Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
   • Eat protein in every meal to balance blood sugar. You will be way less likely to overindulge.

4. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

• Taking a walk at night and stargazing.
• Listening to soothing music.
• Watching a children's movie - these are always lighthearted and have a good happy lesson.
• Reading a book or magazine.
• Enjoying a tea or tonic in the evening while expressing gratitude.

      5.   Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.  Or try deep-                        breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.  Even if these aren't part of your                usual routines, adding in 10 minutes a day during the holidays will help!  It              is never too late to start.

      6.   Be mindful about bedtime routines for yourself and your family. Everyone                manages better when they have good restorative sleep.

Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores.  Over time the ability to recognize your triggers for the holiday blues can enable you to plan ahead, stay positive, and enjoy the holiday season!

Also in Sleep, Stress & Mental Wellness