How to Reduce Holiday Blues and Stress

It’s that time of year again when clocks are set back and the Christmas décor prematurely begins to line our subconscious with commercialism. It’s the time of year when we are reminded to be grateful and that it is better to give than receive. It is also the time when many people begin to feel the most loneliness and sadness—partially due to diminished sunlight and partially due to the emphasis on family and friend relationships.

A close associate acknowledged although she attends church services for spiritual peace, it, at times, is a source of great loneliness. “There is a part of the mass that parishioners offer each other the Sign of Peace. Spouses, parents, and children turn to each other and embrace as I stand alone. When they are finished, some may turn to me to shake my hand. In that moment, I’m reminded that I’m no one’s priority. I don’t have family, and my friends are with their families. I’m alone. Socialization and fellowship are not the main reasons to attend mass. In fact, they are not even in the top five reasons. But I can’t help but notice, and it stings. When people do turn to me, sometimes I feel awkward. I see pity in their eyes. Usually, I’m unaffected, but it hits differently during the holidays.”

Her story is just one of many that I hear this time of year. Many call it holiday blues. This post seeks to give suggestions as to how to make the holiday season less sad, or at least, tolerable for those who are suffering.

Check on friends, family, and neighbors who you suspect may be struggling. Give them a call or send them a text. Even mailing them a holiday card letting them know you are thinking about them may go much further to help them than you think.Volunteer. This falls into the category of it’s better to give than receive. Helping others does not only make others feel it, sharing your time and talents with others can also be self-rewarding. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities and ways to volunteer such as serving a meal at a shelter, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, donating a present to the Angel Tree, writing a letter to deployed soldiers and/or military personnel, helping to decorate the town square, etc.Don’t forget the reason for the season. At this point, it’s cliché to say, but that does not make it any less true. It is easy to get wrapped up in the commercialism of the holidays. However, the holidays are about people and quality time with people you care about. With the economy the way it is, many people are unable to afford gifts, and that is distressing to them. Or some people may not be able to have a large holiday meal. But those are not the important things, and that is what needs to be remembered. A PB&J sandwich shared with loved ones can be more meaningful than a feast alone or with people who are indifferent toward you.Holiday spirits may not lift the spirit. Many people forget that alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, taking a drink to feel better may actually cause a person to feel worse. If one finds his/her mood taking, perhaps limiting the spiked eggnog is the way to go.Remember television is fictional—even the documentaries and biographies have been altered to maximize drama for an exciting story. I have to remind myself of this frequently because I’m easy to get sucked into spending an evening watching Hallmark movies and then the next day depressed because reality isn’t like a holiday baking show or in ninety minutes every major problem I ever had will vanish. Repeat after me. It’s all fictional.Occupy time with activities and events that are not seasonally related. This is self-explanatory. If one is engaged in other activities, he/she isn’t focused on the holidays.Sunlight and sun lamps. Depressive Disorder with seasonal pattern (formally known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) is a real diagnosis linked to deficiencies in vitamin D. Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin by the sun. Thus, being outside in the sunlight and sun lamps can be beneficial in relieving depressive symptoms.Superheroes are part of the Justice League. Don’t try to do everything. People have limits. Delegate. Ask for help. Do not load yourself down so much that you become overwhelmed. Set realistic expectations.Think positive. Focus on the good and not anything negative.Talk to friends and family. Seek professional help if needed.

That sums up this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.