Managing the Holiday Blues

Author: Jojo Varona

The holidays fill the air with happiness and cheer, yet they can also carry stress and sadness for many people. Here are some ways you can avoid or cope with the holiday blues.

Manage your time

Write down your schedule for the day and stick to a plan. Keep yourself accountable with your schedule. Make sure that you do not double book on your calendar, especially with all the holiday events coming up.    

Limit alcohol use

Try to limit alcohol to holiday social events and no more than one to two drinks in one sitting. Excessive alcohol use can have a harmful effect on mood and sleep. If you do drink, make sure you drink water after. And don’t drink and drive.

Watch what you eat 

Eat smaller portions when possible and listen to your body. Eat until you are satisfied, not until you are stuffed. It’s completely normal to splurge on cookies and treats during this time, and that’s okay. But try to balance the indulgence by planning healthy meals on days when you don’t have social events or plans.

Schedule some fun after the holidays

Try to schedule events and gatherings past the holiday season. Having something to look forward to is important. Even a day out with one or two people you care about can lift your mood.

Volunteer with your favorite charity

Volunteering can also be a great way to connect with people who may share similar interests. Giving back to your community and to others in need can be a great way to do something positive that helps you as well as others. Many people volunteer or donate during the holiday season, but try to turn this into a year-round activity, even if you can only give a few hours per month.

Limit your time on social media

Social media can be overwhelming at times—even more so around the holidays, when people have more free time on their hands. Limit your time on devices and spend time doing things you enjoy with people you care about. Just a reminder – People’s lives aren’t as positive and perfect as they portray on social media—this can be hard to realize when you are feeling low.

Set boundaries

Be comfortable with saying no to things, and to people that may cause you stress. It’s OK to say no!  Setting healthy boundaries with things, people, and family is even more important during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a time to share with those you love and care about, but they can also be tough for many people. It is perfectly normal to feel sad at times, but if you notice these feelings lasting longer than a few days, reach out to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional for support.

Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday season!