It’s the most wonderful time of the year!… Or is it?

The holiday season brings visions of sugar plums to many. But for others, it can trigger a huge amount of anxiety, stress, and increased depression.

And it’s no wonder. Many feel the pressure of giving the perfect gift and having a perfect celebration. While others feel growing loneliness and grief over a personal loss.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to keep the holiday blues in check and enjoy the season. Let’s look at tips you can use to cope.

Plan a Budget Ahead of Time and Stick to It

The holidays can put so much financial pressure on buying the latest and greatest gifts for everyone on your list. But don’t let yourself fall into that trap.

Plan out a budget you feel comfortable with and stick to it.

You can also consider looking into budget-friendly alternatives such as making homemade gifts. Or get the whole family involved and start a family gift exchange.

Because spending time with loved ones should be the focus of the holiday season. It’s not a competition on who can buy the best.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Holiday schedules can get crazy. And with that, it can be hard to get in a full night’s sleep. Not to mention to-do lists churning through your head you can’t seem to turn off.

Research has shown that even a little bit of sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mood, judgment, and memory. That’s why it’s important to make sleep a priority so you can fight the holiday blues.

Getting a full night’s sleep will decrease your stress levels and give you the recharge your body and mind needs.

Exercise Stress Away

When the holidays have you stressed, get your body moving. Exercise produces endorphins that not only reduces stress and improves your mood but helps you sleep better as well.

Yet, if your holiday schedule leaves little time to get to the gym, get creative with it.

Park further from the stores while you’re out Christmas shopping. Ride a stationary bike while watching Christmas movies with the kiddos. And if you don’t want to sacrifice time with family, get everyone to take a walk together after lunch or dinner.

Not only will it reduce your stress, but it will also keep those holiday calories at bay. And that’s a win-win.

Shop Early

Nothing can put a damper on your holiday spirit than being stuck in last minute shopping crowds and traffic. And if that ideal gift you were set to buy is gone, you’re left scrambling for a plan B.

Make sure to avoid all that and get your holiday shopping done early. To make it even easier, stay home in your pajama’s and shop online.

You won’t have to worry about receiving your packages on time. If you have to come up with alternatives gifts, you’re not left scrambling. And you won’t have to put a rush on the gifts and cards you’re mailing out.

Don’t Try to Be Perfect and Do It All on Your Own

Many people have an expectation to have a perfect holiday season. And that kind of pressure is enough to send anyone’s stress and anxiety levels through the roof.

If this sound familiar, it’s time to set more realistic expectations. Remember the holidays aren’t about being perfect. In fact, it’s the unplanned, candid moments in life that make the best memories.

And don’t try to do it all yourself. Many people have trouble asking for help, especially women. Making it a team effort can be more fun for everyone, especially children who love to feel involved.

Take Time to Process Your Feelings

If you can’t be with loved ones this year or if this is the first holiday season without a loved one who has died, it can be very difficult. And the important thing to remember is – it’s OK to feel that way.

Take time to grieve and feel your loss. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to smile and feel happy through it all. Bottling your feelings can lead to depression and anxiety.

And then remind yourself your loved ones wouldn’t want it to ruin your holidays. Remember the good times and do something nice for yourself.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

If you’re alone during the Christmas season, don’t keep yourself isolated. Seek out events throughout the community you can get involved with.

Nothing feels as good during the holidays than to help out others in need. Volunteering will not only get you out of the house and socializing, but it will lift your spirits to brighten the holidays for others.

Help out at a local soup kitchen. Visit those in retirement homes that don’t have families to spend the holidays with. Or join a volunteer choir at a hospital to sing to patients on Christmas Day.

You will go home with the gratification knowing you put a smile on someone else’s face for the holidays. And in return, it will put a smile on your face and in your heart.

Don’t Hesitate to Reach out for Help

But sometimes, no matter what you do and despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to pull yourself out of the holiday blues. If that happens, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. There are also helplines you can call if you wish to talk, remain autonomous, and get more info on support groups or other avenues for help.

Talking to someone can help lift the curtain of dread you have over the holidays. It can also bring back the holiday spirit you miss and deserve.

Beat Those Holiday Blues and Enjoy the Season

Don’t let the holiday blues bring you down. With some planning and mindful thinking, you can find the joy you deserve this holiday season.

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