Holiday Blues

​Holidays are often a joyous time filled with festivities, but for some, it can bring feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. Various factors contribute to the holiday blues, including stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial strain, and the inability to be with loved ones.

To cope with holiday stress and depression, consider the following tips:

1. Set realistic expectations and goals for the season.
2. Pace yourself and avoid taking on more than you can handle.
3. Prioritize activities with a list to manage holiday tasks effectively.
4. Spread holiday cheer across multiple events rather than focusing on a single day.
5. Embrace the present, look to the future with optimism, and avoid comparing the present to past experiences.
6. Combat loneliness by volunteering and helping others.
7. Engage in free holiday activities, such as admiring decorations or window shopping.
8. Limit alcohol consumption to avoid exacerbating feelings of depression.
9. Explore new ways to celebrate the holidays.
10. Surround yourself with supportive and caring individuals.
11. Make an effort to connect with new friends or reconnect with long-lost ones.
12. Allocate time for self-care.
13. Share holiday responsibilities with others.
14. Keep track of spending to avoid financial stress and post-holiday depression.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and well-being.

Nutrition Tips: 

Protein-Rich Foods Boost Alertness

    •    Beta-carotene: apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato
    •    Vitamin C: blueberries, broccoli, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, peppers, potatoes, strawberries, tomato
    •    Vitamin E: margarine, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, wheat germ