Tips to Overcome the Holiday Blues

The holiday season is upon us and can result in a lot of different feelings.

Although the holidays are supposed to be about family, friends, joy, and optimistic hopes for the new year, it can also bring strong feelings of sadness and stress known as the "Holiday Blues." These feelings often can be categorized by the following symptoms:

• Increased feelings of sadness

• Low energy

• Physical and mental fatigue

• Loneliness or isolation

• Overeating

• Loss of interest in daily activities

Holiday blues can be a result of many factors such as being away from home for the holidays, loss a loved one, financial issues, stress over final exams, health problems, and family stress.

This season tends to increase feelings of tension due to the over-commercialization of the holidays, family reunions, shopping, and coming back home from school.

Holiday blues can also be attributed to environmental factors such as not getting enough sunlight since the days are shorter during the winter. Geographical location also plays a huge part. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Here are some strategies to help combat the holiday blues:

1. Reach out to someone: talking about your feelings out loud can help you understand why you feel the way you do.

2. Volunteer: you can make a big difference this holiday season. Donate toys to families in need, start a food drive, volunteer at a shelter. Giving back is what the holidays are about.

3. Be proactive: to keep your mind busy and try not to fall behind on your studies. Keeping on top of your schedule will help you avoid further stress and promote a sense of accomplishment.

4. Take care of yourself: exercise, get enough sleep, and try to stick to healthy eating habits.

5. Stick to normal routines as much as possible: Wake up and go to bed at the same time you do when you are at school.

6. Set a budget: try to stick to a budget when it comes to holiday activities. Try not to splurge on buying presents for everyone.

Strategies to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

1. Light Therapy: symptoms of SAD can be relieved by sitting in front of a light box for a period of 20-60 minutes daily.

2. Vitamin D: studies have shown that taking vitamin D supplements are just as effective as light therapy.

For information here is a video provided by The National Alliance on Mental Illness.