How To Keep Upbeat During The Holiday Blues

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone likes holidays. Some people feel excessive stress, loneliness, and even depression during the holiday season. For them, it is not the season of merriment, but sadness.

So, what should we do? Bear with it or do something to rekindle our spirits?

The answer is simple, isn’t it?

We break the rigors of depression and find ways to embrace the joys of life.

Personally, I try to avoid texting, watching sad movies, and getting lost in depressive thoughts during the holidays. Sometimes, you just can't beat a good old-fashioned phone call with an old friend. I always enjoy talking things over and sharing ideas with people that won’t judge me or think less of my decisions in life!

It might seem like an inconvenience at first; after all, no one wants to pour their hearts out. This is not a drama, but real life. And in real life, people hate opening up. But you still gotta take that hard first step. If nothing else works then try these simple tips from Clarity Clinic that could make your day better by rekindling some old fire. They may allow you to regain your happiness. Perhaps even re-establish lost contact between two old friends.

Get Out Of The House

Social isolation is your worst enemy during the holidays. One of the best things you can do for yourself if you are feeling blue is to change the scenery. Sitting cooped up in the dark with nothing to do can be a recipe for disaster; especially for those prone to depression. Even on a cloudy or rainy day, the fresh air can have a huge improvement on your mental health. Get out and let yourself appreciate the wonder of seeing a clear blue sky or basking in the sunlight. The light of the day is your lifeline in the holidays.

Drink in Moderation

Alcohol is a major contributor to depression during the holiday season. Drinking too much can exacerbate negative thoughts. I do not say go cold turkey at once. Instead, drink in moderation and never drink to avoid difficult emotions. Limit yourself to only one or two alcoholic drinks a day.

Remain Physically Active And Exercise

Sitting around on your couch all day and binge-watching television is a surefire way to depression and another plethora of mental problems. You may want to get your body active and feel useful. You will be quite surprised at the change in your mood. I am not saying you should suddenly start training for a marathon. Instead, just go for a walk in the local park in the morning. Greet your fellow joggers and early risers. Do a few stretches and lunges to let your body open up. Only this much physical activity will drag you out of any self-induced isolation and depressive thoughts.

Never Look Back

It is the act of looking back and wondering ‘what if?’ that brings a majority of sadness to people during the holidays. The time that is past is past and there’s nothing to be done about it. You have two choices. Either keep thinking about your mistakes and become increasingly stressed or you can see the past as a lesson never to be repeated. Look towards the future and vow to become better. Never forget the past, but do not be crippled by it either. Your past is your biggest teacher but it has no bearing on the future.

Get In The Kitchen

There is nothing quite like the aroma of home cooking to change your mood. Step into the kitchen and find a new recipe to cook from the scratch. It is going to stimulate your mind, senses, and creativity. Cooking will give you a better outlet for your emotions and let you enjoy the holidays in peace.

Learn To Say ‘No’

Social obligations during the holidays are another huge source of anxiety, headache and psychological burden. Your friends and family may make demands to use your time and resources in the form of parties, small favors, and projects. Do not overcommit yourself and learn to say ‘no’.

Set Realistic Expectations

Some people become too stressed when trying to make everything ‘just perfect.’ While it is fine to be excited about the holidays and make preparations to enjoy yourself to the fullest, it is not healthy to become obsessed with it. It doesn’t matter if you cannot make the perfect arrangements. What matters is, you set realistic goals and reachable objectives for the holidays. Let go of old traditions if the younger generations do not appreciate them. Look to what’s in front of you and learn to make the best of it.

Have A Happy Holiday

Holiday depression is one of the easiest things to deal with if you have the will. Pay attention to the factors that contribute to your stress and work to eliminate them. Control these triggers before they can hijack your happiness and destroy your holiday.