25 Tips To Help You Defeat Those Holiday Blues

Since the beginning of time, the holidays have always been promoted to be a joyous occasion.  Almost everywhere you turn, you see houses, stores, and even restaurants decked out in beautiful decorations. The air is filled with the sounds of bells jingling and Christmas songs. Also, most of the TV commercials are holiday-themed. Although it is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, some people are overwhelmed, sad, and feel emptiness during the holiday season. Here are some of the reasons that would cause someone to experience the holiday blues:

Reasons For Feeling The Holiday Blues

• Stress- Last minute gift shopping can be stressful, especially if the stores are crowded and have long lines. Add in commitments such as holiday parties, working overtime, and family visits, and you have the recipe for a nerve-racking holiday season.
• Loneliness- A person can feel isolated from the holidays if they are away from their family due to either geographical distance or emotional detachment. Not having a significant other can also cause feelings of loneliness. Children may feel emptiness if their parents are separated or divorced, especially if they were particularly close to the absent parent.
• Loss of a loved one. More often than not, many people reminisce about friends or relatives who have passed away. The feelings of melancholy are triggered more during the holidays, as they long for dearly departed loved ones. A person experiencing the pain of losing someone surely would not be in a festive mood.
• Economic hardships. Everyone wants to buy gifts for their friends and family, but being financially strapped can put a damper on those plans and cause feelings of inadequacy.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some people experience depression during the winter due to the cold weather and lack of sunlight. This occurrence is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to  Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal of the National Institute of Mental Health, he states, “Six percent of the U.S. population is affected by SAD primarily in the northern climates in its most marked form. Yet another 14 percent of the U.S. population suffers from a lesser form of seasonal mood changes known as the winter blues.” Those feelings of sadness during the holidays will be intensified because of the absence of sunny weather.
• Deteriorating or poor health. A decline in health can get someone’s spirit down. During the holidays, the feeling of hopelessness is magnified, especially if they are not able to get around to visit loved ones.

Do any of those situations apply to you? If so, don’t worry, you are not alone. I, for one, am definitely able to relate. Getting into the holiday spirit when you are down isn’t easy, but if you are willing to try, there are things you could do to boost your mood. To help you in your time of despair, here are some ideas to help you defeat those holiday blues:

25 Tips To Defeat Those Holiday Blues

1. Listen to some Christmas music (or music of any genre) 

Music is the ultimate mood booster. Singing along to your favorite holiday song is fun and will lift your spirits. Even listening non-holiday music can put some pep in your step.

Related: 125 Christmas Songs To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

2. Give a little of yourself.

Giving to others is one sure-fire way to get you into the holiday spirit. When you are busy helping others, you will have very little time to be preoccupied with your problems. Visit an elderly or sick relative, volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate to your favorite charity, visit a nursing home, organize a food or clothing drive, visit a children’s hospital and give them toys. Helping those who are less fortunate will not only keep you from wallowing in your misery, but you will be someone’s blessing, and that, in turn, will make you count yours.

3. Reach out to loved ones.

Talking to friends or family who are supportive and sympathetic can help ease any emotional turmoil that you may be going through. In addition, it is also a good idea to…..

4. Talk to a therapist.

If your feelings of loneliness, despair, and sadness are too much for you to bear, maybe it is high time to seek a therapist. A licensed professional can help you get to the root of your problems and give you the tools needed to show you to identify and cope with your issues.

5. Random acts of kindness.

Doing nice things for others will get you in the holiday spirit. Give a gift to a cashier at the grocery store, let someone go ahead of you in line, shovel snow for a neighbor, help a busy mother at the mall, or anywhere you may see a mom in need of assistance. Hold the door open for someone, compliment a stranger, pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant, or help a friend wrap their Christmas gifts. You can also help an elderly person carry their groceries, or donate things that you no longer need. The fact you helped brighten someone’s day in return will surely do the same for you.

6. Plan a holiday feast.

Prepare a few of your favorite recipes for a delicious holiday meal. Placing your energy on cooking multiple dishes will keep you busy as you need to focus on measuring ingredients to make sure your food comes out just right.

7. Take care of yourself.

Self-care is essential, especially when you are feeling gloomy. Make sure you are getting enough rest and eating properly. Try meditating to help keep you centered and calm. Also, do not take on more than you can handle.

Related: Self Care Defined: What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Important

8. Move your body. 

Get some exercise. Studies show that working out triggers chemicals called endorphins that are released into the brain that helps to boost your mood. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Try yoga, cycling, dancing, or strength training to get that “feel good” energy flowing. Also, activities such as gardening, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming have a positive effect on your emotions.

9. Treat yo self.

Indulge a little by treating yourself to some holiday cookies. Go to a spa and get the works, a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, etc., Whip up the most sinfully decadent dessert known in existence to humankind and eat it without feeling guilty. Buy something nice for yourself, no matter how small.

10. Create a winter bucket list.

Make the most of the holidays by doing fun activities that are winter-friendly. Go ice skating, sledding, or plan a ski trip. Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood and marvel at the beautiful decorations. Attend a Christmas tree lighting in your city. 

11. Count your blessings.

When you are feeling down, the worst thing you can do is focus on what you don’t have. Start with thinking about the good things you got going on in your life, no matter how small, and you will come to realize how truly blessed you are.

Related: 52 Reasons Why I Am Thankful

12. Join in on the holiday fun.

Attend a holiday party, go caroling, organize a Secret Santa gift exchange, drink some eggnog, or eat some candy canes. When that cute guy at the party walks over to you with that mistletoe, feel free to be a little naughty this year. (provided you are both single!)

13. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Nothing makes you feel worse than self-criticism. So what if you don’t have a significant other, or if you are not as successful as your friends. Did you gain weight after too many helpings at Thanksgiving? Don’t beat yourself up over it. Focus on your strengths and what makes you unique. In addition, be proactive and work on the areas of your life that you can improve.

14. Grieve if need be.

Losing a loved one is tough, especially if it happened around the holidays. You will get tons of advice telling you to try not to think about it. I know that people mean well, but suppressing those emotions of pain and sadness is not healthy. Allowing yourself to grieve will help you release those feelings of anguish.

15. Stick to a budget.

If you could give your loved ones the world, you would, but you shouldn’t try to. Shopping till you drop during the holidays is all good until you get that credit card bill or deplete your bank account. If you are already in a depressed state of mind, being financially strapped will make you feel even worse. To avoid overspending, create a budget, and stick to it or save up some money for gifts.

16. Keep yourself busy.

When your hands are tied, you do not have time to wallow in misery. Tackle a new project at work if you have room for it. Take advantage of your downtime by picking up a new skill. Get into a hobby such as baking, writing, painting, or sewing. Go to some interest-based events. Organize your closet, redecorate your living space, or try some do it yourself (DIY) activities.

17. Fake it.

Even though you may not feel like it, try smiling.  Studies show that It will trick your brain into thinking you are actually happy. Besides, you have plenty of reasons to take that frown off of your face.

18. Take a vacation.

If escaping to a warm climate won’t cure those holiday blues, I don’t know what will. Laying out on the beach sipping a Bahama Mama will certainly cheer me up! If going to the Islands is not for you, there are still many places you can visit that are not surrounded by water but still has sunny weather. Also, if you feel lonely during the holidays due to living far from your family, use your vacation time to pay them a visit. 

19. Start your own traditions.

During the holidays, it is common to follow customs that have been in our families for generations. In addition to participating in familial traditions, you should start your own. Throw a Christmas version of  Friendsgiving. You could also have a small intimate dinner with just your immediate family. Have a holiday movie night on Christmas Eve, play games, go sightseeing, and look at the decorations in your neighborhood. Have a date night with your significant other.

20. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel.

Sometimes it is just best to let those feelings flow. Release those pent up emotions with a good cry, and let those tears cleanse your soul. Allowing yourself to process and deal with your feelings is healthier than repressing them. You will eventually heal and find yourself back on the road to reclaim your happiness.

21. Wear something nice,

My mother always used to say, “When you look good, you feel good.”  Wear your favorite outfit that flatters you. Put on a killer red dress to the holiday party and strut your stuff. Because of all of the compliments, you will be too busy saying “Thank you” to even think about being sad.

22. Decorate your living space.

Add holiday cheer by adorning your home with some decorations. Go with a unique colored Christmas tree instead of the usual green. Put a beautiful wreath on your front door. Put up some Christmas lights. For a touch of elegance, put some poinsettias throughout your place. Don’t forget to put some Christmas stockings by the stairway or in front of the fireplace.

23. Video Chat.

One of the best things about technology is that it makes it so easy to stay in touch with loved ones.  If you are not able to see your family in the flesh, hit them up on Facetime, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, or a webcam and video chat your loneliness away.

24. Watch a funny movie or show.

When I am feeling down, one of the first things I usually resort to is a funny movie or show. Laughing until you bust a gut will be just what the doctor ordered. Trust me, you will feel better.

25. Go to a place of worship.

Last but not least, go to your place of worship. Renewing or strengthening your relationship with God will give you a sense of comfort and hope. Also, the services are beautiful during this time of year and are rejuvenating to the spirit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you were able to find something off of this list to help cheer you up. I know things can get rough during the holidays, especially if you are suffering mentally and emotionally. Life will sometimes throw adversities at us; Have faith, and you will see that things will get better.  Happiness is something we should always strive for. Not only for the sake of the holiday season but every day.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for reading.

Yours Truly,

Tracy

Featured Photo Credit: Shutterstock