Holiday Blues and how to beat them

The holidays can be stressful and this year we have the coronavirus to add more discomfort. Perhaps you find yourself in a situation of having lost loved ones, a home, job or vehicle. Perhaps your Christmas will not be what you had hoped for but you can get through it. This article is not about quick fixes and is not to take the place of medical professionals. This information will not diagnose, treat or cure any emotional, neurological or mental disorders.

What this information will do is give you tools that might make it easier to get through the holidays. Life is not a one size fits all and different people respond differently to the same situations. One individual may feel better talking to a friend while another will need professional counseling. One individual might need medication while another does well with therapy. There are some things that everyone can make use of and they are all free.

Fresh air

You may not believe that it is doing you any good but please get some fresh air. When you are out and about and are not in close proximity of others, pull your mask from your nose, and breathe in the fresh air as often as you can. If you are sheltering in place just step on your porch or in your yard for a few moments. Stand next to a tree if you can and allow yourself to drink in the fresh air and oxygen. I know a young man who swears that going outdoors does him more harm than good, He believes this so to him it’s real. I’ve watched him go outside to get his mail and stand a few moments when he thinks no one is watching. When I talk to him afterward he is always cslmer even if he does not admit it.

Breathe

When we are stressed we tighten up and oxygen cannot flow as it should, practicevderp breathing by inhaling slowly through the nose, holding 5 or 5 seconds then exhale slowly through the mouth. Do this in sets of 10 whenever you feel rattled. I’ve found it relaxes me and lowers my blood pressure and pulse. I have made a habit of deep breathing as many times in a day as I think about it

Laughter

Doctors say laughter is like medicine but when you are really depressed it’s difficult to laugh. I went through a period where I would try to watch my favorite television shows and as I laughed I began to cry. This happened on more than one occasion near the holidays. I found I was recalling fond Christmas memories from long ago and realizing that so many people I had in my life have passed away. I now find episodes of Looney Tunes and other old school cartoons that have no specific connection to anyone in the past. I can laugh to tears but not cry out of sorrow. Reading books also keeps my mind off Christmas memories.

Walking

I enjoy walking through my neighborhood and on local trails. During cold weather, I walk more in my yard or house. I go up and down the stairs and from room to room. I know a man who has been diagnosed as clinically depressed and he says walking back and forth inside his home reduces his stress level better than his prescription meds,

Relaxation and sleep

When I don’t get proper sleep and relaxation I find I’m jittery. When I take naps during the day it helps me to sleep better at night. It’s important to flow down and not allow the holidays to vrrehelm you.

Fast forward and rewind

If the deluge of television holiday advertisements get next to you turn off the set and don't cause yourself more stress. You can also try taping programs you want to watch. This way you can fast forward through the commercials and rewind to specific spots in the show, without seeing all thc commercials.

Creat New memories

Make an attempt at creating new holiday memories with family and friends or by yourself. Share photos on social media and stay in the hear and now. Try a new holiday food, get a larger tree, a smaller one or no tree at all. Your memories are tied to past tradition so break the cycle and do something different. Rearrange the furniture in your home or redecorate if you can.

Stay off of social media

During the holidays a lot of people will be posting stories and pictures on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms. Take a few days or a week away from social media so you don’t have to see what will make you unhappy. A lot of posts are hype but it won’t do you any good to see others sharing things that you are not able to. If you just ended a relationship you might not want to see other couples exchanging gifts or kissing under the mistletoe.

Help someone else

Do what you can to reach out to others who are in need, Perhaps you cannot see them in person but give them a phone call, text, or IM. Send holiday greeting cards and if you are a person of any faith you can always pray. Putting the focus on others is one of the best methods of not feeling sorry for yourself. The key is to not become distressed about what you cannot do this holiday season, but instead figure out what you can offer and then do it.

A lot of times we cause our own selves misery but not taking a stand. The bottom line is to protect yourself from unnecessary stress while simultaneously doing the things that make you laugh and bring you joy. We must learn to guard our own hearts and minds and not expect others to make us happy. If you have to block phone calls turn off the TV and or stay away from certain people then do so.

Before you know it the holiday will be over, The good news is you can use these methods anytime of the year. A good rule of thumb is an old saying that comedic teams used to use. The first man would mention a certain action and say, "It hurts when I do that." His partner would hit him on the head with a hat and reply, "Then stop doing that." Practice not doing what you already know will cause you pain.

If you have been prescribed any medication please take it as directed. If you have therapy sessions make sure you do not miss them,