Holiday Depression & Stress
Beat those holiday blues
The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. However, for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety about an uncertain future.
What Causes Holiday Blues?
There are many reasons for “seasonal blues” or “holiday blues”. Some of us react negatively to stress, fatigue, family expectations, the pressures to buy from “50% off” sales prices. This can lead to “over budget” spending or result in us being away from family and friends. The way we process these expectation and demands of friends, family and society in general determine how much stress, tension and depression we feel. Other ways that these pressures are manifested are through other stress responses such as excessive drinking, over-eating, irritability, headaches and insomnia. The start of the New Year can bring even more negative feelings about how we dealt with the pressures leading up to the holiday season. Maybe you could not afford to buy gifts for everyone or you may believe the gifts you gave or received were inadequate. Another self-inflicted stressor is the way we view our lifetime accomplishments or our performance over the past year.
Some Tips to Cope with Stress and Depression During the Holidays.
Plan your holiday activities in advance. Set a shopping budget and stick to it. Try to set time slots just for you to practice some deep breathing exercises. No matter how busy you get take time out do something just for you. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. The season is about a month long not just one day. Spread out your to do list over several weeks. This will lessen your stress and increase your joy.
Make agreements with yourself, friends and family.
The past is the past. Forgive yourself of any wrong doings. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. All you can do is your personal best which is different from everyone else’s. Make agreements with friends and family about which of their expectations you can manage. Be truthful with them, they may be feeling the same pressures. Do not make assumptions about anything. Communicate your feelings and desires and inquire about the feelings and desires of your loved ones. Remember to agree that you can disagree.
Do some charity work.
Try volunteering some time to help others. There are plenty of local charities. Sometimes actively participating is more therapeutic than giving money. Helping someone less fortunate than yourself heals and uplifts the soul, and you gain appreciation for what you have as well.
Seek out free activities.
There are many free events in London year round. visit these websites to see whats on "http://www.ukstudentlife.com" "http://www.venuereservations.co.uk"http://www.barcamps.org/BarCampLondon" Shopping areas or places that exhibit material excesses should be avoided if you are not shopping.
Drink moderately.
Excessive drinking can increase feelings of depression. Drinking to much can also be a symptom of depression.
Try something non traditional.
Celebrate the holidays in different ways. Parties and socials may not be as uplifting, as finding self acceptance through meditation or prayer.
Seek out supportive and caring people.
To help keep a positive outlook keep positive people around you. If you cannot be with friends and family then buy a phone card and speak to them as mush as possible. Make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for awhile.
Get some sun light.
Lack of sun light has been linked to lower moods. Try to get as much sun light as you can, but remember to protect your skin.
Get some exercise.
Exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that are found in the brain that have pain relieving properties. They are also thought to produce euphoric feelings, appetite modulation and the release of sex hormones. Exercise has also been linked to deeper sleep which in turn fights insomnia and help with focus. Join a gym or hire a personal trainer. A good trainer will keep you positive and motivated. If you cannot afford a trainer the next best thing is an on line trainer. Online training offers affordability and flexibility with results. Visit "http://www.themindnbody.co.uk" http://www.themindnbody.co.uk or chek out our personal training services here
About the Author
D.Leigh has been training since he was 19 years old. At 45 he has 26 years in and around fitness training. He is the creator of the Timed Eating Nutritional System (TENS). D.Leigh is a life coach, motivational speaker and personal trainer certified by the International Sports Science Association and a member of the Register of Fitness Professionals. He can be contacted at info@dleigh.com or on the web at http://www.dleigh.com or by phone at 0208 853 3799. He is the personal trainer at the Waterfront Leisure Center, Woolwich.