It’s Complicated
It is the holiday season which means lots of happiness, parties, fun, and love! At least according to all the social media posts, picture perfect Christmas cards, and happy holiday movies.
But for many people, this time of the year can also bring anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and sadness. Whether you are grieving a loved one, have a difficult relationship with your family, or are just overwhelmed with all the social activities, gift shopping, and forced cheer, it can be a hard time of year. And the cold, dark days do not help.
Research has shown that forcing ourselves to be cheerful and put on a happy face can actually end up making us feel even worse. So what can you do? Below are some simple ideas that can help you get through the season.
Look for the small moments of joy. Even when we are feeling low, it can be helpful to look for those small things that bring us joy. We are able to experience both happiness and sadness at the same time and looking for those things that bring us happiness is a reminder that it is not all bad. Keep your eye out for those moments of joy this holiday season.
Recognize that you are not alone. It may feel like you are the only one not in the holiday spirit, but for so many people, this season brings up complicated feelings. Recognize that you are definitely not the only one who is feeling this way, no matter what social media may portray.
Stick to healthy habits. Letting go of all your healthy habits during the holiday season can exacerbate the holiday blues and make you feel even worse. Sticking to at least one healthy habit can go a long way towards making you feel better throughout this festive season. Keep a consistent sleep schedule, continue exercising, watch the alcohol intake, limit the sugary treats, and take adequate quiet, alone time.
Get off social media. When you are feeling like the only one who is not enjoying the holidays, it can be helpful to get off social media. Comparing yourself to others, especially to their perfect, filtered posts, can make you feel so much worse. If you know that this is a difficult time for you and that social media makes it worse, consider deleting the apps altogether for the next few weeks.
Say no. You do not have to say yes to every invitation. It is okay to prioritize your needs and only say yes to those things that you really want to attend with people you actually want to be around.
Get curious. Our feelings can teach us something so get curious with yours and what they are trying to show you. Are you feeling stressed and anxious because you committed to too much? Are you feeling sad because you are missing a loved one? Are you feeling lonely because you can’t spend the holidays with your family? Take a journal and write about your feelings - finding out why you are feeling a certain way can help you deal with it.
Reach out. Talk to those people in your life who are there for you and will support you. They might be feeling something similar or can help talk you through it. You might be feeling like you don’t want to be a downer, but talking to a trusted loved one can be very beneficial and people usually want to help and connect. If you don’t feel like you have anyone to talk with, speaking with a professional can also be helpful.
No matter how you are feeling this holiday season, I hope you are able to find some joy and happiness.
