Acknowledge your feelings- If someone close to you has recently died, or you can not be with loved ones, it is ok to be sad. It is ok to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can not force yourself to be happy just because it is the holiday season.
Reach out- If you feel lonely or isolated seek out community, religious or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Be realistic- The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Families change and grow, traditions change…That is ok. Be open to change.
Set aside difference- Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they do not live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they are feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
Stick to a budget- Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try some other ideas for example: donate to a charity is someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
Plan ahead- Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
Learn to say no- Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can not participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for lost time.
Don’t abandon healthy habits- Don’t let the holiday become a free- for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
Take a breather- Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distraction, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Another way to make time for yourself, take an hour and get a massage, to not only unwind your mind, but your muscles also. Soak in an aromatherapy bath, with lavender and Roman Chamomile.
Go see your Chiropractor- Getting an adjustment weekly during the holiday season, will keep your body running in the best shape it can. Acupuncture is another good way to relieve your body of stress and depression. An Ion cleanse helps your body fend off the holiday blues. Be sure to take your vitamin C and vitamin D3. And while you are out shopping look for aromatherapies that will help sooth the body and mind such as Lavender and Roman Chamomile. Come in and order your Aromatherapy now.
