The Holiday Blues: 3 Tips to Emotionally Prepare for Difficult Winter Months
It’s that time of the year again. The lights and trees are going up. The coats and mittens are pulled out of the closet to check that they still fit. And the hot chocolate is extra warm. While the holidays are a time of celebration for many, not everyone shares the same sentiment. For some, even the regular chaos of endless shopping and decorating can be enough to make even the most calm person feel overwhelmed with anxiety. For the person who recently lost a loved one, the grief might be extra difficult to deal with as who is missing is felt more than who is present. Whether you relate to one of these or something completely different, it is important to know that there are options to make it through the next several weeks and make the cold nights even a little more bearable.
Spend a Few Minutes Outside
The weather has gotten colder and the heat inside is up. Maybe there is a warm fire and a cozy blanket calling your name. While these things do provide a certain degree of comfort, they might also be what is holding you back. There is plenty of research that indicates that getting a dose of fresh air and sunlight helps with not only physical health but also mental wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be long; simply drinking a few sips of your cup of coffee on the porch can be beneficial in the long run.
Stay in Touch
It is around this time of the year that you might see a particular phrase used more and more frequently. No, it’s not “Merry Christmas” (though you will probably hear it quite often as well). The phrase I am referring to is Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is typically characterized by depressive symptoms recurring annually during a certain time of year, the most common time being winter. As the feelings get heavier and the loneliness sinks in, it is important to maintain your normal relationships as much as reasonably possible. Give a family member or friend a call and check in on them. I believe you might find that both of you will benefit from it.
Validate Your Feelings
No matter what you feel, it is important to acknowledge that it is a real and genuine feeling, and it is worth listening to. While most people might prefer to enjoy the holidays, it can be unhealthy and damaging to force oneself to feel a particular way “because that’s how it’s supposed to be.” So if you find yourself in a slight panic, or crying amidst laughter, it is more than okay to step back, take a deep breath, and tell yourself it is okay to feel this way.
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At Sharp Wellness, we know life can be hard. This is why we have locations in Birmingham, AL, and Mckinney, TX to help you with whatever issues you may be facing. Our therapists also offer a variety of therapy services to support you and your family. We offer trauma therapy, teen and adolescent therapy, individual counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, EDMR Therapy, and Group Therapy. We also offer Couple's Intensives at our Mckinney, TX location.