A DIVA’ S GUIDE TO
COMBATING THE HOLIDAY BLUES
BY SHANI TYLER JONES
Typical sources of
“ Holiday Sadness” or Blues include: Stress, Fatigue,
Unrealistic Expectations( physically, emotionally, and financially) Financial Stress
Lonliness and Isolation
Additional Tips: Live in the moment and enjoy the present
Find holiday activities that are free Make time Keep track of your spending
Try something new; create new traditions Reach out and make new friends
Many of us begin to anticipate, for one reason or another, the holiday season long before it arrives. Some may look forward to the traditional festivities that come with the season and others may dread the season for the same reason, or lack thereof. In any case holiday depression and seasonal disorders, are very real conditions, that should not be ignored or swept under the rug. Taking time to address the causes of the sadness is very important and may even stretch beyond the holiday season.
A key factor in avoiding sadness is having balance during the season. Balance begins with purpose. Why are you trying to do what you are doing? Are you celebrating the birth of our Lord, or are you trying to impress everyone and make everyone happy? The ultimate gift was given to us that evening in Bethlehem; no greater gift can be found in a store. Showing the love of Christ to family and friends should not drive you to insanity. Find a way to balance the season, begin by bringing things into perspective.
Another significant contribution to holiday stress and depression is feeling overwhelmed. This is a symptom of either over extending ourselves, or not having an organized approach. Both symptoms can be handled through a holiday calendar. Organize your plans and events in a calendar format, being sure to add regular life activities first, including rest and sleep, and then fill in the gaps with holiday plans. If there is not room to schedule an activity, politely decline. You cannot squeeze 30 hours into a 24- hour day, no matter how hard you try.
Finally, have realistic expectations and, if you have children, teach them realistic expectations. Having unrealistic expectations of what can be accomplished, purchased, given or received, can open us and our families up to lots of unnecessary hurt and drama; that will reach far beyond the holiday season.
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