It’s the holiday season, a season of joy and excitement, and many people are excited about buying Christmas presents and planning holiday trips to visit loved ones. However, this time of year can bring about feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. The “holiday blues” can cause stress on what should be a time of happiness. If you struggle with these feelings, know you are not alone.
The Holiday Blues
It’s important to recognize that the holiday blues are real; many people experience it. Understanding why this happens helps you better deal with this challenging time.
Over Spending During The Holiday Season
One common cause of the holiday blues is the pressure we put on ourselves, especially when buying gifts. Working in retail, I have observed customers frantically shopping for gifts. They fill their shopping carts with items, wondering what to buy. Gift buying can be stressful, and we create financial demands that lead to stress during this time of what should be joyful.
Holiday Gatherings
The emphasis on family and togetherness during this time can intensify feelings of loneliness and sadness for those who may not have strong social connections or are missing loved ones. During this time of year, I miss my loved ones who have passed on. I miss spending time with them, calling them, and receiving that special card in the mail, which causes me feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Ways of Dealing with The Holiday Blues during this Holiday Season
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- Make a budget and stick to it. Finances can be a significant source of stress during the holidays. Set a budget for gift-giving and stick to it. Consider alternatives to expensive gifts, such as homemade gifts. Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not how much money you spend.
- Remember the good times. Thinking about loved ones who have passed during the holidays sometimes makes us sad because we miss them. However, remembering the good times we had with them will bring joy.
- Reach out to those in need. Doing this positively impacts others while providing you with a sense of fulfillment.
- Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself is crucial during the holiday season. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you better manage stress.
- Remember the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us.
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, not stress and feeling overwhelmed. By implementing some practical tips, you can prevent and manage holiday stress and create a more enjoyable and meaningful holiday experience for yourself and your loved ones. How do you prevent or manage stress and avoid the holiday blues?
