Did you know the holiday season is a time when most people spend more than they can actually afford? A study found that in 2017, holiday sales were highest in the electronics category, amounting to over $122.1 billion. And, over-spending during the holidays can lead to seasonal depression or holiday blues.
What is Seasonal Depression or Holiday Blues?
While for some people, festivals are all about fun, celebration, social gatherings and parties, others may feel lonely, sad, anxious and depressed. Sadness is a personal feeling, but several factors can affect how an individual feels.
Various sources, such as stress, exhaustion, financial stress, lost family member or broken relationships, can lead to holiday blues, says an article on WebMD. And, this stress can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, over-eating and excessive drinking. Psychotherapy and counseling can help an individual learn effective means to cope with not just the symptoms, but also the root causes, says an expert at Institute for Personal Growth.
Tips to Deal with the Holiday Blues
Various factors contribute to seasonal depression or the holiday blues, such as excessive drinking, exhaustion, loneliness, overspending and more. In order to cope with the holiday blues, it is important to first identify the causal factors and then learn how to deal with each one.
Here are some tips for reducing the chances of feeling depressed during or after the holidays:
-Have practical expectations of the festive season.
-Be calm and don’t over-burden yourself with responsibilities. Don’t take up more than you can handle.
-Live in the present and enjoy your day. Don’t get upset over the past. Appreciate and accept both the good times and the bad.
-If you are alone and feeling lonely, consciously work on going out and being with people. You could volunteer and help others.
-Try something new this holiday season. Go out for the various parades, make new friends and contact your long-lost friends and family members.
-Keep track of your expenses. Most of us do end up spending more than we intended to during the holidays. After all, this is the season for giving and pampering oneself too. And, all those sales only add to the temptation.
Certain lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, timely and sound sleep, healthy eating habits and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can also help reduce the chances of developing the holiday blues, says an article on Healthline. And, if you do find yourself facing persistent depression, consult an experienced counselor, who can help you with helpful coping mechanisms.
Whatever you do, make sure that the festive season bring happiness to your life and rejuvenates you for the coming year. Happy holidays!