Unrealistic Expectations About Your Life
This season heightens our expectations of having to be joyous. But when you equate your level of joy to career or life goals and when you haven’t reached these goals yet, then holiday depression syndrome can ensue. Rather than simply labeling yourself as a failure and becoming more depressed, take a proactive approach.
How to Beat It: Meditation is a great tool to help you turn things around, as it enables you to focus on the present, it increases concentration, and it eases feelings of anxiety. This way, you can accept your present situation, and you can have a clearer mind to revisit your goals and find new ways to move ahead in the new year. Check out these 7 Mini Meditations You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime.
Unrealistic Expectations About Your Family
This season can also heighten an inward expectation to experience the perfect family gathering. But if the rest of the year is fraught with difficult family situations, don’t expect this season to be dramatically different.
How to Beat It: “Try to be realistic and emphasize your family’s strengths rather than weaknesses,” says Robert Hales, chair of the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. You can also choose to gather important people in your life whom you consider as family and experience a festive gathering that you will enjoy.