The holidays can be grand with their festivities, special foods, decorations, and gatherings of friends and family members. But sometimes the holidays can trigger the holiday blues surrounding feelings of inner turmoil. Rather than throwing in the Christmas towel and calling “bah humbug,” focus on these four ways to navigate a red, green, and blue holiday.
1. Recognize Feelings
It’s important to recognize the way that you, and others, feel throughout the holidays. “For many, they feel like they’re being a downer during the holidays if they aren’t feeling especially cheery; which can lead to self-silencing,” says Danielle Carlson.. “We feel that there’s more damage in expressing ourselves, so we end up saying nothing, while keeping our feelings bottled up.”
What to do:
- Take an inventory of physical reactions that can indicate emotions. Are you sweaty, short of breath, getting goosebumps, headaches, or an upset stomach? This can be your clue that something isn’t right, and needs to be addressed.
- Keep asking why. It doesn’t feel natural to ask this question, but it can help, because the endless trail of questions can actually lead somewhere. Continuously asking “why” can get you to the root of an issue, so that you can address the cause of your feelings, rather than the feelings itself. In turn, this will help you avoid those negative feelings in the future.
- Know what triggers these feelings. Throughout the holidays, you’ll be aware of what to avoid; and most importantly, it will give you control over the holiday blues.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
“There are so many options when it comes to the holidays,” Danielle says. “It can be overwhelming. The constant stress can be one of the main reasons that people become blue around the holiday. It’s just too much.”
What to do:
- As invitations and requests come in throughout the season, pick the main ones that you don’t want to miss out on. Saying yes to everything can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and family members will understand that you can’t make it to every gathering and every activity.
- Take time for yourself. Schedule time when you know you’ll have the opportunity to unwind and relax. Pick out a movie, or engage in a hobby that will allow you to collect yourself.
- Put aside the rose-colored glasses. The holidays of the past should be remembered and cherished, but don’t let them color the present. Most of the time, we make the past too perfect, creating unrealistic expectations. Leave the glasses at home.
3. Appreciation
One of the ways in which to address holiday blues is to focus on things you can be thankful for. “There are so many meaningful relationships that add warmth and closeness to our lives,” says Danielle. “Even in the midst of holiday blues, by focusing on what you have been blessed, it can add perspective to the season.”
What to do:
- Make a list of all the things that you’re thankful for during the holiday season, and read through them every day.
- Write cards and notes of appreciation to others. Thank them for the way that they’ve impacted your life.
- Give back. The holidays are full of opportunities to partner with local non-profits and church organizations to help those within your community who are struggling. It’s a great way to lend a helping hand, create new friendships, and focus on the reason for the season.
4. Seek Help
The holiday blues may be a part of a bigger issue. Depression affects roughly 20 million people in United States every year, and left untreated, can lead to deterioration in physical health. “The holiday blues can be a trigger for recognizing a larger issue,” says Danielle. “Don’t be afraid to talk to your loved ones.”
What to do:
- It’s important to recognize the signs of depression, and the severity of your symptoms.
- Seek help from your primary care physician when the following feelings persist:
∙ Feeling depressed, sad, and discouraged
∙ Loss of interest in once-pleasurable and enjoyable activities
∙ Eating more or less than usual, or gaining or losing weight
∙ Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
∙ Feeling slow or restless
∙ Lack of energy
∙ Feeling hopeless, helpless, or inadequate
∙ Difficulty concentrating
∙ Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions
∙ Persistent thoughts of death or suicide
∙ Various physical symptoms
This season, don’t let the holiday blues stop you from enjoying the things, and people, around you. By recognizing your feelings, and the feelings of those around you, setting realistic expectations, being appreciative of the things you do have, and being aware of when larger issues might be arising, you’ll be singing out this season!
For over 50 years, Lutheran Hillside Village has been a leader of senior living and care. With expertise in living life to the fullest, Lutheran Hillside Village offers multiple levels of care, with an expanding community offering numerous amenities. To learn more or to schedule a tour, call Bridgette Bybee at 309-692-4600.
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