The holidays are a time for celebration, friends, family, and good times.
But what if you’re not in the mood to celebrate? What if the holidays have you feeling down?
If you’re feeling depressed during the holidays, it’s okay. Below, we will outline a few tips on how to deal with the holiday blues. We hope these tips will help you find some relief.
Prioritize self-care
Prioritizing self-care can mean taking a moment to meditate and set an intention for the day.
It can also mean taking time to do activities you find enjoyable and rewarding. Maybe that means going for a walk, writing a journal entry, or watching your favorite movie.
Whatever it is, make sure to schedule time for activities that make you feel good. That way, you can still enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed. And if all else fails, be gentle with yourself and know that it’s perfectly okay to take a break from the buzz.
Know what you can and cannot control
You cannot control what other people say or do, how your family interacts, or how your friends celebrate. What you can control is how you respond to these situations.
If you find yourself getting stressed, take a step back and assess the situation. Respond with kindness instead of anger or frustration. If you can’t change the situation, change your response to it. This will help you maintain your peace of mind and stay positive.
Set boundaries for yourself and others
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It can be hard to say no during the holiday season.
You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, and you certainly don’t want to be perceived as a Grinch. But this is your time too, and you have a right to protect your mental health.
One way to do this is to set boundaries for yourself. Be clear when communicating with others, whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers. Let them know what your limits are, and ask them to respect them.
Feel free to decline an invitation or politely explain that you’re not feeling up to it. Be kind but firm in setting these boundaries. You don’t want to over-commit yourself and end up feeling crushed and stressed.
Take time to feel your emotions
It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to feel down and out during the holidays.
Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time to process them. Don’t try to suppress your emotions, as this will only make them worse in the long run.
Take some time for yourself each day. During this time, you can do something that makes you happy or relaxes you. This can be anything from taking a warm bath, listening to music, or going for coffee.
If you are feeling down, there are still things you can do to make the holiday season enjoyable. You can spend time alone, do things you want, or find ways to make the season meaningful for you. Don’t let the blues keep you from enjoying the holidays on your terms.
