How to Cope with Holiday Blues

The “most wonderful time of the year” isn’t always that way for everyone. If you’re someone who experiences seasonal depression or winter blues, then it can be difficult to resonate with everyone’s cheer. This can lead to feeling guilty about “being a grinch” but it’s important to know that holiday blues are extremely real and your experience is just as valid as those who seem to find the sparkle in the holiday season more easily. If you or someone you know deals with holiday depression this blog will be a great resource. Here you’ll find ways to cope with your holiday blues in healthy ways. Refer back to it as often as you need or share it with a loved one who needs it.

Say hello to the sun

Depending on your local winter temps, this one can be a bit tricky. If you can manage to bundle up, a brisk walk in the sun can do wonders for your mental health. This is true any time of year but the bright sun on a cold winter day can feel like such a north star when you’re navigating big emotions during the holiday season. If you can, try to stay off your devices (headphones are fine) while walking and turn your face towards the sun while breathing deeply. We live in a world where it’s less and less common to stop and look up. As a result, this simple act can bring a lot of unexpected joy to your present moment and positively affect the rest of your day.

Let yourself rest

Just like plants, trees, and animals, we go through cycles as well. Although we live in a society that asks us to push harder, go faster, make more money, attend more parties, buy more presents, etc. our bodies are still in tune with the changes in our environment. That being said, if you feel a need to slow down it’s okay to listen to it. Take the extra Sunday afternoon nap, use that sick day, and have a “do nothing” day at home. Sometimes, extra rest is as simple as putting our devices down early and getting some extra sleep. Whatever your body is asking you for, here’s your permission to treat yourself with a little extra rest. For more information, read our recent blog on The Importance of Rest for Mental Health.

Prioritize meaningful connection

While the world may want you to be a holiday party animal, it’s absolutely ok if that’s not realistic for you. On the flip side, if you’re someone who doesn’t have as many close connections as you’d like, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of that. It’s not a bad thing to accept invitations to functions that you want to attend. It’s important to remember, however, that saying no thank you is okay too. If you’d prefer to connect with a friend 1-on-1 over coffee, it’s okay to say that. “I’m sorry, I can’t make it to your holiday party but would you be open to meeting for coffee next Saturday so I can hear all about it and give you your present?” Communicating your needs and desires is important so that people can show up for you in ways that work for you as well. If your nearest and dearest folks aren’t local, schedule a holiday video chat! Make it a theme night or plan to share a meal over video chat. There are a number of ways to build connection without stepping into spaces that make you feel less connected than before you arrived. Holiday depression isn’t helped by placing unrealistic expectations on yourself, but it isn’t helped by isolation either. Find ways that work for you to connect with people who mean a lot to you.

Ask for help

Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers on your own. It’s okay to tell your loved ones how you’re feeling and ask for advice, suggestions, or simply some extra support. Something like, “I’m having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year but I want to make some meaningful memories with my loved ones. This holiday light event looks like something I can handle, when are you free to go with me?” is a great way to let your loved one know how you’re feeling, remind them that connecting with them is important, and share insight on something you have the capacity to attend. If you need extra support, therapy (like what we offer at Genesis Counseling in South Tampa) is also a wonderful way to make it through the holidays with an extra form of care.

Try something new

Sometimes the best way out of a funk is to spark your interest in something new. If you have extra time off during the holiday season, consider using the time to start a new hobby or try a new activity. This can be something you do at home, a new class with friends, or even a meet-up with new people that you have something in common with (singles, women, dads, new soccer team, etc.)

Since the holidays come around every year, the sooner you invest in ways to move with care for yourself through the season, the better. Holiday blues are more common than you might realize so remember that it’s okay to be honest with yourself and those around you. You might just find that you’re not alone in feeling that way which can be a huge help in itself. For more support, reach out to us at Genesis Counseling. We wish you the best this holiday season.