Are you feeling low even though it’s the best time of the year and there’s holiday cheer all around? It’s okay, we’re always here to help you feel like your awesome self again. According to therapists, holiday blues are more common than you think because of the stresses and demands of the season. This is the dark side of the holidays most people don’t pay attention to. A time meant for celebrations and social gatherings can also sadly be overshadowed with loneliness, anxiety and self-reflection.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or a parent, the holiday season can get to anyone and that’s okay, we’ve got your back. Listed below are all the different ways you can feel better by taking small but meaningful steps.
1. Treat Yourself
With the holiday rush all around and all the familial obligations, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. While you’re shopping for all your loved ones, don’t forget to treat yourself too.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be something extravagant. Eating your favorite foods, watching that show you love or even getting a massage are all the different ways you can get some much needed TLC. When everything around you gets a little too much, its okay to take some time for yourself doing the things you love.
2. Shop in advance
All that holiday shopping can get to anyone, especially if it’s done at the last minute. Whether you’re shopping for your Christmas list, a friend’s birthday or wedding gifts for the numerous marriages happening this time of the year, it’s important to plan ahead and decide what you want to buy for whom. It is highly recommended to jot down your budget for shopping and make a list of what gifts to buy. If your finances are restricted and it’s been making you feel low, looking out for special discounts, coupons and sales can help.
Shopping that is finished before the rush season begins will also greatly reduce your stress as the crowds haven’t descended yet and the sales force is more attentive and helpful.
3. Make A Happy Playlist
During the holidays it’s likely that you’ll have a ton of tasks to do every day, and what better way to do these tasks while listening to your favorite songs?! We highly recommend you to make a playlist full of happy, pick-me-up songs that you can listen to whenever you’re starting to feel low and it’ll help in lightening up your mood.
Listening to cheesy Christmas songs can also help get you in the festive mood. Keep updating your happy playlist whenever you come across a song you love and this playlist will help you out on the rainiest of days.
4. Avoid Binge Eating & Drinking
People tend to binge eat and drink excessively during the holidays, especially if they’re feeling low. However, this is just a temporary fix and it ends up burdening you with more problems later. Studies show that alcohol is a depressant and can hence trigger depression, especially if you are genetically predisposed to depression. Try avoiding or limiting your alcohol if you’ve been feeling blue lately.
Eating your feelings won’t help either. Binge eating helps you feel better only while you’re eating and will definitely make you feel horrible later. Moreover, your body will suffer. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy your holiday, just eat and drink in moderation because balance is the key.
5. Consider going for therapy
Since everyone’s life is different, everyone is conflicted with different problems. Generic answers can’t always be the solution. Therapy really helps you self reflect and help you learn how to deal with your problems in the best possible way. If the above-mentioned ways of making you feel better don’t work and you still feel blue, going to therapy will help.
It’s completely normal to feel this way especially around a festive season and it’s important to know that you won’t always feel like this. Take your time and surround yourself with your loved ones and things that make you feel happy!
Don’t forget to follow us at @missmalinilifestyle to never miss a beat!