by Dr. Elizabeth King, LCSW, CHt
The holidays are not a happy time for everyone.For some this time of year is a real struggle. Many negative thoughts from the past arise. Feeling lonely, or yearning for loved ones who have passed away leave many dealing with depression. Others find the weather draining and tiring. The holiday blues can affect us all in different ways. Fighting the holiday blues can be done no matter what the struggle is.
Here are a few ways that can help you cure the holiday blues.
7 ways to cure the holiday blues
- Plan ahead. The ultimate step to fighting the holiday blues
and preventing feeling alone during this season is to plan ahead. Spend time thinking
about the holidays and what you want to do before the holidays actually get
here.
- Join a community group. There are hundreds of community groups available
for people who want to plug in. Becoming a part of a community group will allow
you to surround yourself with others, giving you a sense of belonging.
Belonging to an organization and connecting with other people is a great way to
kick the holiday blues. The warmth felt from having friends will take your mind
off of other not so positive thoughts.
- Volunteer for a cause. Helping others in time of need is one of the
best ways to kick the holiday blues to the curb. Helping others will take your
mind off of the unhappiness you see in your life and help you to realize what a
blessing your life is to others.
- Listen to uplifting music. The holidays can be known as a time for music
that may or may not be so uplifting. Now is not the time to play that sad song
over and over again. Turn on your favorite fun song instead like Jingle Bell
Rock and dance in the living room. A happy song coupled with some dancing is a
sure way to lift the mood.
- Talk to a professional. Finding a licensed and qualified
psychotherapist to discuss your thoughts and situation with, is a great way to
cope with sad feelings during this time of year. Talking to someone about how
you feel will allow you to gain a new insight from a person not attached to the
situation, this is a sure way to shed new light on your situation and will lift
your spirits. Talking with someone almost always has a way of helping to see
life from a new or different perspective.
- Travel. Visit a place you’ve never been but always wanted to go.
Traveling to a place that’s always been on your bucket list is a
great way to recharge and change your thinking patterns. Whether you plan a
weekend getaway or a week excursion, getting out of your everyday environment
to enjoy a place that’s been on your bucket list for a while is an awesome
reward for the year. Make it a point to meet new people and make some new
friends along the way.
- Switch to thankful thinking. First, take time to think about the great
things you do have in life. When negative or lonely thoughts arise, become
aware of them and then switch your thinking to that of 2 or 3 things you are
thankful for in life no matter how big or small they may seem. If you find
yourself with nothing, start to be thankful for life itself or the time you
have/have had with the ones you love. Reflect on a great memory and say out
loud thank you for sharing this time with me.
Whether alone or with family, in cold weather or warm, the holiday blues don’t have to get you down. They can be avoided by surrounding yourself with others or enjoying time with yourself. Finding a way to stay positive and upbeat during this time of year is important. Get up, get out there and enjoy something new.
And that’s the way you create a SASSY Life!
