While some people love everything about the holiday season, the holidays don’t provoke the same warm feelings in everyone. The holidays can be difficult and trigger unpleasant emotions. We can feel overwhelmed, feel the loss of a loved one more deeply and/or experience more reminders of the past —even the bad ones. If we’re on our own, not having family around can make us feel isolated. If you are feeling any of these, you’re not alone.
Many of us deal with loneliness and isolation during the holidays, especially when it seems like others are experiencing the “perfect” Christmas. The truth is, the holidays are not perfect for most people. Also, things may not be what they seem. Feeling down during the holidays is not unusual.
Grief, loss, loneliness, and sadness are all emotions that we experience because we are human. The important thing is to acknowledge the feelings but not dwell there for too long. How long is too long? Too long is when it starts to impact your life in negative ways, like when it prevents you from working, meeting with friends, or doing things that you enjoy.
Here are four ways to feel better and get through a difficult holiday season:
1 Focus on the good.
Start by thinking about the thoughts filling your mind and replacing them with good things. For example, when you notice yourself thinking about stuff you saw in a music video, change it by watching a music video with positive messages instead. Try to watch or listen to things that are encouraging and uplifting instead of things that might cause you to be angry.
Work to think about things that are good around you, things like nature, kids, funny animals, being alive… etc. Make a list of things that you are grateful for and keep it close by. When things get difficult, remember your list.
2 Give to someone in need.
Consider a way you can give to someone else. It doesn’t need to be money, you can also give your time. Giving or helping others gives you a place to go when you are tempted to think about your own situation. Focusing on others naturally makes us feel happier.
3 Do things that you enjoy.
Listen to music. Read a book. Go for a walk in the park. Do a workout at the park or gym. Whatever it is, try to live in the moment and experience what’s around you.
Don’t have any current interests? Learn how to find a hobby.
4 Talk with someone.
Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while or make a new one. You’d be surprised how many people are interested in talking with others but are afraid to do it. Can’t talk to someone? Send a letter. There are websites like penpal.me that can help connect you with a penpal!
Getting through the holidays can be challenging, especially when there are expectations about how we think we’re supposed to act and feel. When our emotions and thoughts feel overwhelming, it’s important to refocus and take time to readjust to the events of the day. We hope these four tips for doing that will help you!
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How to deal with the holiday blues
