Holiday depression affects nearly a quarter of the population.
Here are 10 steps to overcoming Holiday Blues.
1. Do something for others. Don’t concentrate on yourself. Volunteer at a food bank or visit an elderly neighbor. Someone out there will treasure the generosity of your time. Take time to think about others around you.
2. Choose to live in the moment. Don’t over-anticipate the outcome of any particular event or gathering and don’t make assumptions based on the past. Dread going to the inlaws for Christmas Eve because of prior negative experiences? Go with an open mind and assurance that you can draw boundaries, if the need arises. Trust in your ability to deal with the present.
3. Spend some time outdoors. Nothing clears the mind and frees the spirit more than fresh air and some time in nature. Get out of your indoor space. Go for a walk, window shop, or ride a bike. Breathe!
4. Try something new. Invite friends to join you for an
adventure, or plan one for yourself. Stroll through a park or museum
you have never visited before. Explore! Discover! Enjoy!
5. Plan something special for the people in your life.
Don’t make the holidays all about you. Plan a surprise for someone
else, based solely on what you know he or she will appreciate.
6. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Even if it’s been a
tough year, take time to recognize what is working in your life.
What do you appreciate most? What kindnesses have you been
shown? Be grateful for the good things, big and small.
7. Don’t compare. Others may be struggling silently, even if
it appears they have “a perfect life.” Don’t make assumptions and don’t dwell on how others seem to be sailing through life with no problems. We have no way of knowing what sadnesses others are facing.
8. Don’t set goals that are impossible to reach. You know what that means. Don’t do it!
9. Find opportunities to laugh. Laughter really is good for
the soul. In fact, researchers have discovered that laughter stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, creating a feeling of happiness and a sense of peace.
10. The Ghost of Holidays Past. Forgive others, even if they
haven’t asked for forgiveness –and especially, if they don’t deserve it. Refuse to hold onto anger. Negative emotions take a toll on our entire body. Let that be your gift to yourself.
Photo and another article on holiday blues . . .
Dr. Oz on holiday blues . . .
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/mehmet-oz-md/prescription-holiday-blues
