Facing Those Holiday Blues

The holidays can be fun and joyful. They can also be tiring, disappointing and full of tension. People sometimes feel "blue" (sad) or let down during or after the holidays. That "let down" feeling might be nothing more than your body's need to relax and heal after a very busy schedule.

Stressors are anything that cause you stress. Bad stressors that can occur around the holidays are family arguments, disappointment over gifts, concern about spending too much money, loneliness, not being able to get home for the holidays, lack of sleep, and too many people.

However, even good events can cause stress. Visiting friends and family, playing with grandchildren, wrapping gifts, preparing food, decorating the house, and the change of routine and pace, though fun, can cause stress.

Some people get depressed
It is important to remember that some people do get depressed during the holidays. Holidays are not a magic cure for people who are lonely and sad. The best gift you might be able to give someone who is depressed is to tell them that you do not expect anyone to feel better because it is a holiday. Get them involved in holiday activities and events. But give them space and permission to leave when they feel the need to do so.

Stress overload is the big concern for the rest of us. Stress can be caused by one big event such as the disappointment that occurs when an unexpected snow storm keeps family members away from a planned gathering. It can also result from a pile up of little things, even things we enjoy Ñ too many parties, late evenings, the added tension of having house guests, a change in routine, etc. Our bodies need a chance to recover from stress.

Here are some things we can do to keep holiday stress in check.
• Keep holiday plans manageable.
• Organize your time.
• Make lists, and do things in the order of their importance. Know what you can and cannot do.
• Make a budget and stick to it! Do not forget to include the special foods you buy.
• Enjoy holiday activities that are free such as driving around to look at decorations.
• Do not drink too much. Alcohol will only make you tired and depressed.
• Spend time with people who care about you.
• Make new friends if you will be alone. Ask others who may be alone to have dinner with you. Or, volunteer at a soup kitchen.
• Understand that life brings change. The holidays do not need to be just like they were in the "good old days" to enjoy them.
• Create new family traditions.
• Do not spend all of your time planning activities just for your family and friends. Find time for yourself!

If you enjoyed your holidays, but still have that "let down" feeling, try to relax and give your body and mind time to heal after the holidays.

Source: Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., Former Health Education State Specialist, Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Missouri Extension