How To Manage Stress Over The Holidays

 In Depression, Life


Don’t Let The Holiday Blues In Through The Back Door

Holiday Blues & StressYes folks, it is that time a year again, all too soon. We just finished up Thanksgiving, and now Christmas and New Years are right at our door. Bam, bam, bam, one after the other they come, and can be a great source of stress, even though the holidays are meant to be about food, festivities, and family. Managing stress – more commonly known as the Holiday Blues, means taking care of one’s own emotional well-being.

For some people, getting through the holiday season is a breeze, but for others it isn’t so easy. Stress can be exacerbated by situations such as a loved one being on deployment, recent divorce, or the loss, or illness of somebody special. Then there are the people who have not encountered a loss or absence, and still find it hard to cope. Coping mechanisms remain the same, no matter the circumstances.

While it might appear trite to say just take it one day at a time (in fact take it moment by moment) – this works. This holiday season like all others – too will pass. Avoid circumstance that might make you feel even worse, such as spending too much money to over compensate. There is nothing quite like buyer’s remorse to bring on the blues. Remember that credit card statement will eventually come in the post.

This is definitely the season for giving, so, give of your-self, seeing a smile one someone-else face is an instant pick-me-up. Make gifts for your loved ones, there are tons of ideas on the internet, and this is the perfect time to get crafty, recycle or cook. Give away framed photos of family, festive preserves, baked goods, bath salts, or whatever floats your boat. Creativity is a great outlet for stress, just don’t take too much upon yourself or the blues will creep right in again, through the back door.

Food is a big issue, there is always a lot more of this being shared during the holiday season. Some people will overeat, as stress tends to make us either over or under-eat. Try to stick to the middle road, any weight gain in particular, may cause depression. Extra weight, and extra stress are like Siamese twins, they are joined (excuse the pun) at the hip.

By all means have a few treats, and enjoy your favourite foods, but take small portions, and exercise a little more to make up for it. Exercise is a completely natural way to get feel-good endorphins racing through the brain. Besides, a walk after a holiday meal makes perfect sense, everyone can participate in this activity, and it offers a good excuse to take a guilt-free nap later on. The dog will love you even more for it too.

It is fine to have fun and celebrate – even enjoy a drink or a glass of wine, but if you are already feeling stressed or depressed, too much alcohol is not really good for you. Drinking too much may offer some freedom from worry,  but overindulging in alcohol is just another thing that might bring on guilty feelings; then once again the Holiday Blues creep right in through the back door.

Recommended Posts