Beating the Holiday Blues by Being a Blessing to Others!

 

According to the website Healthline.com at: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues#symptoms , many people suffer from holiday blues and/or Christmas blues. They offer many suggestions for dealing with such blues, their "How to Deal with Stress and Depression During the Holidays" offer 9 ways to mange the blue. It is important to keep in Spirit and not let anyone steal your joy in life, but sometimes the holidays are hard, especially when you think about family that have passed or your childhood and how things are today. Now during COVID, many are away from loved ones and there are more restrictions to stay home and not spend time with others. I think that going to the beach each day helps, it brings peace and connects you with God. Also, praying and saying a rosary and reading Bible verses and trying to stay in Spirit always helps. Below they offer nine suggestions that may help in dealing with any holiday blues, it is real and many are impacted by this. 

9 ways to manage the holiday blues

There are many things that can contribute to the holiday blues. Whether it’s something as simple as overscheduling yourself or a deeper emotional need, it’s possible to work through your feelings and start anew.

Here are nine ways to deal with the holiday blues:

1. Limit alcohol – Limit your alcohol intake, and try not to keep it readily available around your house. If you’re attending a party and you know alcohol will be accessible, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings that you may have.
2. Get plenty of sleep – Try to go to bed at a specific time each night. Being well-rested can improve your mood and help you feel ready to take on the day.
3. Learn to say “no” – Overscheduling and not making time for yourself can lead to emotional breakdowns. Learn how to say “no,” and stay firm on your decision.
4. Be open to new traditions – You may have an image of what you think the holiday should consist of, and this may not be what’s actually happening. Instead of holding on to what the holiday should have been, allow new traditions to unfold.
5. Get support when mourning a loved one – If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be especially tough. Although it can be tempting to isolate yourself and grieve, it can be beneficial to spend time with your friends and family. They can support you through this difficult time.
6. Spend time with your loved ones – Instead of spending the holidays alone at home, get your friends or family together for a dinner party at your place. The more the merrier! You can spruce things up with lively decorations and add welcoming floral arrangements to your living spaces.
7. Exercise regularly – Plug in your headphones and pop out for a walk around the block a couple of times a day. A quick 10-minute walk will get your heart rate up and release mood-boosting endorphins.
8. Do something fun to get over a recent breakup – It can be difficult to be alone when you’re nursing an aching heart. Instead of sitting at home, fill up your calendar with activities. Websites such as meetup.com offer group outings, such as dinners and dancing, almost every night of the week.
9. Avoid overeating – Before heading out to social events, fill up on veggies. You can even fill up a small sandwich bag and snack in the car. Holiday outings can often lead to overeating, which can affect your mood and overall well-being.

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for older adults. If you’re unable to be with friends or family this holiday, look for volunteer opportunities that allow you to be around others. Some non-profits will even come pick you up if you’re unable to drive (Healthline.com at: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues#symptoms ),