How to Manage Your Holiday Blues

Once again the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is just a few days away (you can already taste the turkey). Holiday decorations are everywhere. Radio stations are already beginning to play Christmas carols. Just like the song says, 'It's the most wonderful time of the year', but everyone doesn't feel that way.

To a lot of people, hundreds maybe thousands the holiday season is anything but wonderful. For many it's a time of loneliness, stress and anxiety. According to Mental Health America there are many factors that can trigger the Holiday Blues such as: stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one's family and friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension.

Well if your one of those people don't be discourage. There are things you can do to beat the holiday blues. The University of Maryland Medical Center has compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts to Manage Holiday Blues:

The DO's of managing holiday blues:

*Do follow the three basics for good health:

...eat right.

...get plenty of rest.

...exercise regularly.

Do set realistic goals:

...organize your time.

...make lists.

...prioritize.

...make a budget and follow it.

Do let go of the past and create new or different ways to celebrate.

Do allow yourself to feel sad, lonely or melancholy - these are normal feelings, particularly at holiday times.

Do something for someone else.

Do enjoy activities that are free.

Do spend time with people who care about you.

Do spend time with new people or a different set of friends or family.

Do contact someone with whom you have lost touch.

Do give yourself a break - plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take in one special event. The rest can be ordinary, but will seem special because of the time of year and the people you're with.

Do treat yourself as a special holiday guest.

The DON'Ts of managing holiday blues:

Don't drink too much alcohol.

Don't overindulge in holiday foods, especially those that are high in sugar and fat.

Don't have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others.

Don't dwell on the past.

Don't focus on what you don't have.

Don't spend money you don't have. *

There you go, some helpful tips that will hopefully make your holiday season brighter. So remember if your having these feelings then acknowledge them so you can work through them. It's normal everyone gets a little depressed from time to time no matter who you are, but if you feel that you can work through it alone then don't, find someone to talk with who can help - a family member, friend, your pastor, a physician or professional counselor. Talk to anyone you feel comfortable with and remember that these feelings don't last forever, you'll be fine.

Happy Holidays Everyone