Real Life Real Faith November Issue | Page 5

SURVIVING HOLIDAY BLUES DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF Lalaina Knowles AThe holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for most but for some it can be the most difficult time of the year. Each year millions of people suffer from Holiday Blues and/or Holiday Anxiety. Holiday Blues often occur when our anticipation and excitement turns into feelings of depression, commonly called holiday blues. Symptoms can include headaches, insomnia, uneasiness, anxiety, sadness, intestinal problems, and unnecessary conflict with family and friends. This could be from the seperation of immediate family, loss of family members due to death, life changes such as divorce, discord am often our anticipation and excitement turns into feelings of depression, commonly called holiday blues. Symptoms can include headaches, insomnia, uneasiness, anxiety, sadness, intestinal problems, and unnecessary conflictTwith family and friends.ong family members and being single. As a single parent of three adult children, this year will be the first year that I will be spending the holidays without them as they are all in different states with children and spouses of their own; over the years I've discovered ways to enjoy being a single empty nester. These tips are indeed effective and may be quite helpful during the holiday season. CREATE YOUR OWN TRADITIONS. This is a great time to discover new things that you enjoy. It's okay to take in a movie or enhoy a meal at your favorite restaurant or even a new one. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME. The gift of time is still and always will be the most expensive yet