Beating Holiday Stress and the Blues

The holiday season is a time full of celebrations, joy, gift giving, parties, and gatherings with friends and families.  It can also be a time of considerable stress and the cause for anxiety and depression. 

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the holiday season?   Here are some tips from the National Mental Health Association to make this holiday season more enjoyable:

• Keep your holiday expectations manageable. Set realistic goals for yourself.  Pace yourself and spread out your activities over time rather than trying to focus on just one day.  Don’t try to do everything.
• There is room in the holidays for also feeling sad.
• Leave “yesteryear” in the past and look to the future.  Each season brings something new to be enjoyed in its own way.
• Do something for someone else.
• Enjoy activities that are free.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.  Excessive alcohol can increase feelings of depression.
• Try something new for this holiday season.
• Spend time with supportive and caring family and friends.
• Save time for yourself to reenergize.  Get others to help with activities.

In addition, remember to keep physically active, get enough sleep, eat regular and healthy meals, avoid overeating, and keep your holiday and gift spending within your budget.

Make this a happy and healthy holiday season!  Enjoy!

Source:  National Mental Health Association, www.nmha.org.