Live Well: Managing the Holiday Blues

The “holiday blues” are temporary feelings of depression that tend to peak around the holidays.

These feelings may be triggered by memories of lost loved ones, unrealistic expectations of how the season should look, or being alone for the holidays. For many families, the holidays are a harbinger of uncomfortable gatherings where old arguments resurface. Family conflicts can drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted. 

Here are some self-care strategies to help you prevent and manage the holiday blues this season:

• Rest. Getting enough rest can help you cope with stress more easily.
• Create new traditions. Consider creating new traditions if holiday routines are stealing your joy. If family gatherings cause you unreasonable amounts of stress, skip going home for the holidays and visit on the weekend before or after instead.
• Nourish your body. Eating well can strengthen your immune system and help you manage stress more effectively.
• Scale back. Scale back this season and focus on what brings you the most joy. Maybe you do not need to send out holiday cards after all.
• Release emotional energy. Find healthy outlets to release mental stress. Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can all help you release strong emotional energy.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol intensifies emotions, especially negative ones. Limit or avoid alcohol when you are feeling low.

How you experience the holidays is up to you. If your current holiday traditions are a source of stress, consider creating new traditions that better support your health.

Feelings of sadness and grief that linger past the holidays and into the new year may indicate you are dealing with something more than the holiday blues. If your symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to talk with a crisis counselor.