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By Kate Barrington
Special to the Financial Independence Hub
This year has been a tough one and if you’re not feeling merry this holiday season, you’re not alone. On top of the usual hubbub of the holidays and, for many, the challenge of seasonal depression, we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. No one can blame you if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.
What is usually a season of cheer may be a little less bright this year, especially if you’re not able to see your loved ones. Even if your holiday celebrations have all gone virtual, however, there’s still plenty of preparation and planning to do: and plenty of room for the holiday blues to creep in.
If you’re worried about the blues hampering your holiday, here are seven simple tips that may help:
1.) Make daily connections
In a time when we’re all staying home, feelings of isolation are common. One of the best things you can do to keep the holiday blues at bay is to make an effort to connect with at least one person per day. Reach out to friends and family, even if it’s just a simple telephone call to see how they’re doing. If you feel comfortable meeting up in person, invite a friend for a walk or an outdoor coffee date. Even writing a letter or sending an email can help you stay connected.
2.) Get your daily dose of vitamin D
As the seasons change and days become shorter, decreased sun exposure often leads to a drop in serotonin levels, which can trigger a pattern of seasonal depression. If you’re prone to the winter blues, make an effort to include natural sunlight in your daily routine. Take a walk in the morning, eat your lunch outdoors, or take one of your Zoom meetings outside. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure per day to help increase your brain’s production of serotonin and enjoy the mood-boosting benefits.
3.) Try new forms of exercise
Staying active is essential for reducing anxiety and depression. It may be cold outside, but there are plenty of ways to get your sweat on: you may not even have to leave home! Now is the perfect time to try a new online fitness class or an at-home workout routine. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per week to keep your physical and mental health in balance.
4.) Make yourself a priority
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with holiday plans, remember you can always say “no.” Make your mental health a priority and learn to identify the signs of stress when they start to creep in.
Take some time for yourself each and every day, even if it’s something as simple as brewing a cup of tea and relaxing with a good book. Self-care is important all year-round, but especially in such a busy season.
5.) Ask for help when you need it
We all need a little help from time to time, even if it’s just someone to listen. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or sadness this holiday season and these symptoms are disrupting your daily life, reach out to a mental health professional. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication can help you manage your symptoms and restore balance to your life. You can also get help from the comfort of your home: telehealth companies now offer virtual therapy and online psychiatry consultations so you can get the help you need from home.
6.) Take a break from social media
Because we’re all stuck at home, we’re spending more time than ever on social media. While it’s a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also be overwhelming at times. If you’re sick of the constant stream of negativity, take a break. Turn off your phone for a few hours or limit yourself to just 30 minutes of social media access per day. Your brain will appreciate the break!
7.) Do something good for others
When you’re feeling blue, sometimes the best thing to boost your mood is to do something good for someone else. Research shows that doing good, even in the smallest of ways, doesn’t just feel good: it does good. Volunteering has been shown to lower depression and increase happiness. Science has even shown a link between generosity and happiness in the brain. Even if you don’t feel comfortable volunteering in person right now, you can make a donation or send a gift to brighten someone’s day.
Whether you suffer from seasonal depression or you simply feel a little blue around the holidays, there are steps you can take to manage your mental health. Planning ahead can help mitigate some of the usual holiday stress and prioritizing self-care will help you stay balanced. Even if this holiday season looks a little different than years past, it can be just as merry and bright.
Kate Barrington is a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer with over 10 years of experience crafting content related to health and fitness, pets, and lifestyle topics. She is a certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and Pet Food Nutrition Specialist whose work has appeared in major publications like Business Insider and company blogs including Schär Gluten Free, Yon-Ka Paris, and Rover.
