Beating the Holiday Blues to Regain Joy
A common perception is the holidays are a time of joy shared by all. For many, the holidays are painful, bringing with them the blues. Thankfully, there are several things to do to regain this time of the year. Here are some ideas:
Take Care of Yourself
Releasing endorphins through exercise, a hormone that when activated eases pain and creates positive feelings, and eating healthily can help manage the season’s blue feelings. Go to the gym, for a run, do yoga, and try meditating. Carbohydrates and sugary foods can negatively affect moods when eaten or drunk in excess. Alcohol can as well, as it is a depressant.
Serving others Serves You Too
Serving others creates feelings of fulfillment, helping both the recipient and yourself. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Visit widows in your area, senior care facilities, and children’s hospitals. Create an advent calendar with random acts of kindness to accomplish each day leading up to Christmas.
Be Creative
Immersing yourself in creative activities also creates feelings of fulfillment and happiness. Whether that’s writing a letter, short story, piece of music, or sketching the sky, painting a portrait, or mounting a mobile, these activities create a state of flow that helps you to feel happy.
Plan Low-Cost Activities
Costly, rigidly structured, and over-programmed holiday planning can intensify holiday blues. Instead, look into memorable activities like looking at holiday displays while window shopping at the mall, driving around to see Christmas lights and decorations, and going for nature walks. There are many opportunities here.
Create New Traditions
Try new things, involve loved ones, friends, and your support system, and make this holiday season memorable despite life’s challenges. The decision can be made to make these holidays special. Try following some of these suggestions, and see which ones work for you.