Five Ways to Make the Holidays Less Blue

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for everyone — but they don’t have to be. In a previous article, “Five Ways to Beat Holiday Stress,” I offered some suggestions on ways to avoid some of the pitfalls that come along with the holidays.
It turns out five suggestions wasn’t enough, so here are five more ways to help avoid the holiday blues.
1. It’s Okay to Be Alone
Not everyone has a big family or a plethora of friends to celebrate the holidays with. Due to various schedules or location, it may be impractical to get together over the holidays.
Of course, there is no reason you have to spend the holiday season with anyone at all. It’s perfectly acceptable to stay in and celebrate by yourself. Watch a movie, read a book, take a long bath, and take time to reflect. Some folks will buy themselves gifts or go on vacation.
Remember, it’s okay to be alone, so make the holidays your own!
2. Make a Holiday Plan
This time of year, the holidays follow one after the other and it is easy for someone to become stressed from last-minute preparations. Planning can greatly reduce the pressure and slow down the typically speed-driven holidays. Rather than frantically putting together last-minute festivities, do as much as you can ahead of time. The more you can complete before the holidays hit “fully jolly,” the more time you’ll have available to really enjoy the holidays.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help
If the holiday bl...

Source: World of Psychology - November 20, 2017 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Gabe Howard Tags: Anxiety and Panic Family Friends General Happiness Holiday Coping Family Gatherings Holiday Cheer Holiday Season Holiday Stress Loneliness Unhappiness Source Type: blogs