The holiday season—it’s marketed as the most wonderful time of the year, right? But let’s be real: sometimes, the holidays can bring more stress than joy. Between the financial pressure, the constant hustle and bustle, the cold weather in many parts of the world, and those nagging feelings of loneliness or nostalgia from better and happier times, it’s no wonder the “holiday blues” are so common. So, if this season doesn’t feel as magical as the commercials make it out to be, you’re not alone. Get comfy and read along.
Why the Holidays Can Feel Heavy
Many people experience anxiety, stress, or sadness during the holidays, and there are legit reasons why. Here’s a quick look at what might be causing that heavy feeling:
- Stress and Overwhelm: The endless shopping, cooking, planning, and hosting can turn the season into one long to-do list. One that runs parallel with work, family, responsibilities, work, drinking enough water, and trying to get 10,000 steps in each day.
- Loneliness and Isolation: For those who are single, newly divorced, are co-parenting and will be away from the mini(s), or missing loved ones, the holidays can amplify those feelings.
- Financial Strain: Between gifts, travel, events, and trying to find the ugliest sweater in stock in your size? Listen. Those holiday expenses can add up quickly for one day out of the year. Not all of us are ballin’ out of control.
- Grief and Loss: The absence of loved ones, especially around the holidays, can be extra painful.
- Scheduled to work: Having to go into work when you don’t get the day off, have PTO, or can use a vacation day can suck.
If any of these sound familiar, there are ways to help manage the holiday blues, and actually enjoy the season in a way that works for you.
10 Ways to Find Balance and Beat the Holiday Blues
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
First off, it’s okay to feel what you feel. Your feelings belong to you and you only. Give yourself permission to feel without guilt. Accepting where you’re at can help you move forward more easily, being the catalyst in helping you to determine that you don’t have to feel this way.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
Forget about perfection! Let go of the idea that you need to have the perfect holiday, spend a certain amount, buy the perfect gift, wear the ugliest sweater, make the best deviled egg recipe off of tiktok, and know all of the reindeer names for the games at the company Christmas party. I personally paused to see how many I remember. Comment how many of the reindeer that you can name without using Google. I came up with all of them but one!
Simply focus on what is meaningful to you during this season. Enjoying the little things can make a big difference. For me? I will watch every holiday horror movie imaginable under my Play-Doh red sherpa holiday blanket that my daughter got me a few Christmas seasons ago. I’m also planning to indulge in warm beverages such as hot cocoa and apple cider in my mug from Overjoyed Labs. Treat yourself.
3. Stay Connected
Even if you’re not feeling social, try to reach out to friends or family. A quick text or short call can boost your spirits, and, honestly, they’ll probably be glad you reached out too. Making an effort to initiate contact can be the hardest part, but can be rewarding once you check in with the people who genuinely care about you.
4. Limit Social Media
It’s easy to compare your real life to others’ holiday highlight reels on social media. Give yourself permission to take breaks from scrolling if it starts making you feel any stress, anxiety, sadness, resentment or anger. Especially when you realize that a lot of people show you what they want you to see, and aren’t built how they intentionally want to be viewed for likes. Log out of instagram, and go do something that caters to your interests such as journaling, watching a Hallmark holiday film, or starting a new book.
5. Stick to a Budget
Bills are still due after December 25th. Stick to a budget, refraining from overspending for attire and experiences such as trips that extend past what your wallet can pull off, and gifting what you can afford can help take the stress off of the holiday season. Go online and search for free holiday activities in the area such as parades, Christmas tree lightings, and fun events to help get you out and about.
If anyone has a problem with you doing what you can in this economy, check out my blog on Breaking Bad Habits Gently to Create Good Ones because it discusses how to set boundaries with people that we love without beating yourself up about it.
6. Practice Gratitude
Focusing on even small positives can shift your mindset. Expressing gratitude doesn’t just boost your mood into a more positive one, but it can also aid in manifesting more things to be grateful for. Try keeping a gratitude journal to jot down things that you appreciate. If you need one, you can scoop this one up from my site!
7. Stay Active
Exercise is a natural mood booster, and even a 10-minute walk outside can clear your head. Plus, you’ll get some fresh air, which can work wonders for your mood. I discussed how moving around and going outdoors can combat Seasonal Depression in my previous blog. Check that out, but only after you finish this one.
8. Volunteer or Help Someone Else
Helping others can actually lift your own spirits. Whether it’s donating food, volunteering, or just lending an ear, giving back brings a sense of purpose. The good that we put out returns to use when you least expect it, and it’s an excellent mood booster.
9. Treat Yourself
Self-care isn’t selfish! Indulge in something that makes you feel good, whether it’s a DIY spa day, a favorite hobby, or a cozy movie night. Give yourself the kindness and care that you’d show a friend. You deserve to treat yo’self! Or at least with a candle from my site. Shameless plug.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
There’s no shame in needing extra support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed, a mental health professional can offer valuable guidance to help you cope. When we have physical ailments like a toothache, we visit a dentist for it. Feel me? There’s nothing wrong with seeing a trained professional when we just aren’t feeling like ourselves mentally at any moment—not just during the holidays.
It’s okay not to feel merry and bright every moment. The holidays are complex and can stir up all kinds of emotions. Focus on what feels right for you and be kind to yourself. You can make it through the season in a way that’s peaceful and true to who you are. Peace on Earth. Goodwill towards SELF!
Remember, even with the holiday blues hanging around, this season is still a beautiful time to express gratitude for the good things in our lives. Sometimes, appreciating what we have—even the little things—can help lift our spirits and bring comfort during a time of celebration as we go into the new year.
Happy Holidays from my single behind that’s in a new city! You aren’t alone. Subscribe to the site by entering your email in the form below, and make sure to follow me on @furycutitout. I’d love to have ya during this holiday season, and every day after as we head into the new year!
10 Practical Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues and Find Joy in the Season
Breaking Bad Habits Gently to Create Good Ones
Rest Isn’t a Reward
The Positive Benefits of Coloring
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