Holiday Clues For The Blues
by Bert Oliva
The Holiday Season! What a great time of the year. Everywhere you look there are lights, ribbons, and ornaments. Everyone tends to be a little more social and a little more friendly this time of year. And that’s great. But there is also a tremendous climb in stress and depression in a lot of people. As a matter of fact, this is also a time in which many people begin to evaluate themselves, feel lonely, reflect on past failures, and begin to feel anxious about an uncertain future. This is what I call the “holiday blues.”
Many factors can contribute to the “holiday blues;” among them are stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and close friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions, and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension and stress. People who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as: headaches, excessive drinking, bad eating habits, and even insomnia. Even more, people experience what I call the “post-holiday blues” after January.
The “holiday blues” can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded with the excess fatigue and stress. Also contrary to popular belief, suicide rates do not increase during the holiday season, they actually peak in April. This is due to the fact that most people feel they are not meeting up to their “New Year’s Goals & Expectations.” So, here I have provided you with some tips on helping to suppress some of that unwanted stress.
1) Keep expectations manageable. Many people expect themselves to come up with miracles in a short time, patience is a virtue. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Do not put your entire focus on just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day). Remember it is a season of holiday sentiment and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
2) Be cautious of people’s feelings. There is room for feelings to be present, even if some people choose not to express them. Emotions always pour out of people during this time of family and relationships. One tends to remember lost ones or just those days they used to sit at a large table with their whole family and cannot this particular year for one reason or another.
3) Leave “the good old days” in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don’t set yourself up by comparing today with the “good old days.” Try to think of what you will have, rather than what you had back then.
4) Do something for someone else. Whether it is giving someone a smile or a compliment (it is surprising how much this helps) or even donating some of your precious time volunteering in a homeless shelter, hospital, or something else along those lines. Help someone brighten their day.
5) Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression. Alcohol is a depressant, and drinking it will only make things more difficult or depressing. It may seem “okay” for that moment, but you’re just digging a deeper hole for yourself.
6) Try something new. Start a new tradition with your family. Spend it with different people or even take a trip to another state and celebrate it with their traditions and customs. Just make it fun.
7) Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for awhile. I strongly believe in vibes. If you spend enough time with someone or something negative their negativity will rub off on you. So why not spend it with someone positive and let the positivity rub off on you.
8) Save time for yourself! Indulge yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share responsibility of activities and delegate duties. If you don’t take time out to relax you’ll just be causing yourself extreme fatigue; which is not very pleasant during the season of joy.
This is the time to feel jolly, so spread that joyous emotion. Try greeting everyone with a “Happy Holidays!” Remember: a simple greeting can relieve unwanted tension and a smile never hurt anyone. So go now and enjoy your holiday season, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Until next time.
Live Life,
Bert Oliva
DEC