Holiday Depression/Anxiety
For the majority of us it can be said that Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years are exciting, festive and fun holidays. Often times we put these holidays on such a grandiose pedestal, making it almost impossible to meet the standards created.
It is not common to talk about these struggles that come with this time of year, but the reality is, we all experience them, one way or another.
We have so much pressure on us as a society, to dress a certain way, act a certain way, (jolly, of course!), buy certain gifts, etc. Being around family (or lack thereof) and having certain expectations can be exhausting, overwhelming, frustrating, and downright boring at times.
Here are 16 Pointers to Help:
1. Have an exit plan.
If you’re going to that annual party that you’re dreading, have an exit plan. Schedule something a couple of hours after the party starts so you have an excuse to leave.
2. Dress your best.
To feel confident, wear your most snazzy outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. Who cares if you wore that same sweater last year, no one will notice. When we feel good in what we wear, we tend to hold our heads a little higher and care a little less about what other people think.
3. Make your own magic.
Ever since we were children we were taught that Christmas was a magical time where reindeer flew, elves built our toys, and Santa didn’t get diabetes eating ALL the cookies. Now that we are adults, we see the reality of how stressful it can be to have family pictures taken to send out, to save enough money to buy all the kids equal amounts of presents, and how we can no longer eat all of the yummy sweets without gaining weight as soon as they hit our lips.
So now as adults, we need to make our own magic. What does that mean to you? How can you create your own?
4. Lower your expectations.
The present you give your daughter won’t make her ditch her friends and make you her best friend forever and ever. Uncle Tim won’t all of a sudden become sober the day of the party.
What I’m saying is: be realistic; just because “it’s the holidays” doesn’t mean everything else is gone. Life isn’t the cheesy Hallmark movies we all secretly want!
5. Alone time.
An hour or two before you have to go to that get together you’re dreading, spend time alone in a quiet place to just have calmness and peace.
6. Plan ahead.
Schedule your shopping days and get it all done. Limiting your time in traffic can also be helpful.
7. Exercise.
Walk around the block, dance around the house...Christmas trap music...seriously, it’s a thing! Just get moving!
8. Reminisce.
Ponder upon your favorite holiday memory and why it was your favorite. Notice your smile when you start thinking about it.
9. Make a new fun tradition.
Even if it’s a tradition that involves ONLY you! We tend to get stuck in what used to be. So let’s make a new tradition that we can continue to look forward to!
10. Give yourself a gift.
After all, who knows you best?!?
11. Reward yourself.
Give yourself kudos when you make it through that party without telling that person off.
12. Limit your sugar intake.
I’m not going to be unrealistic and say cut out sugar during the holidays, that’s just plain wrong, but what I will say is, watch where you can cut back and where you want to indulge… Maybe I don’t have to order that super sugary alcoholic Christmas drink before dinner, maybe I’ll drink my coffee with only one sugar this morning and a healthier creamer, or, I won’t eat the brownie that someone dropped off in the break room at work because I have another holiday party to go to tonight and they will have their famous Oreo balls.
Just be mindful of when you can pass on one thing so that you can have that other, more delicious, thing. #balance #compromise
13. Hydrate.
WATER!!! I feel like this is on every single list that was ever made and almost didn't put it, but it’s SO true! It’s that time of year when our skin is dry, lips are cracking, cold/flu/strep (you name it!) are going around like crazy; while running around to get this and that done, presents and everything else in between. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere, car, shopping, etc. Drink up!
Simple tip, great results! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
14. Stop competing.
You don’t have to give the better present than your sibling or cousin. Don’t break your bank account for one time of the year. Sentimental/heartfelt cards are always a hit...and cheaper!
15. Watch the alcohol.
It usually doesn’t end well when in a depressed, angry, sad, or anxious mood, coupled with the side effects.... a sheer recipe for disaster. Easy on the booze.
16. Don’t shoot your eye out kid!
(Movie- The Christmas Story reference!) Don't forget throughout all the craziness to LAUGH....have a good time! Humor has the power to heal and reminds us not to take life too seriously!
If you enjoyed this blog, you may also enjoy my other holiday blog where I share tips on how to handle family during the holidays. Click here to read more!
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