Can you beat the holiday blues? If so, how? Start by writing down your three most important values (e.g., family, fun, travel, inclusiveness, money, status, sharing and caring). Base your decisions on those values; they help you decide when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Remember, especially, that this is a religious time, whatever your faith, so let your beliefs guide you in keeping the true spirit and meaning of the season.
On a practical level, here are some ideas to consider:
- avoid excesses (drinking, eating, spending)
- don’t over commit; it’s okay to say “no, thank you”
- volunteer; help out in the community (helping others invariably cheers you up, too)
- if others offer to help you, accept (last year, my daughter-in-law offered to decorate our house – it was beautiful!)
- schedule regular exercise as it’s a great stress reliever and burns off calories, as well
- if you’re feeling especially sad, allow yourself a ‘pity party’, but set a time limit and then move on
- create new traditions if the old ones no longer fit
- change your holiday routines to meet your needs if your situation has changed (.g., take a trip; invite special friends to join you)
- change your expectations; keep them realistic
- get rid of too many “should’s” (we all know how much we’d like to do, but “can” works better than “should”)
- focus on the spirit of the season (talk with God; ask yourself if what you’re contemplating doing will add to your joy or stress)
The holidays can be a stressful time if you give in to external pressures. Focus instead on the spirituality of the season, using your top values to help you make good decisions. Stress will wither when you deliberately, consciously choose activities whose by-products may bring you joy. You can beat the holidays blues!
by Kathleen Vestal Logan, MS, MA December 4, 2017