15 Best Ways To Not Be Depressed During The Holidays 2024

For some, the holidays are a time of love, family, and togetherness, while for others, they can bring overwhelming stress and sadness. Various factors such as unemployment, memories of lost loved ones, relationship issues, and loneliness can contribute to holiday blues. Symptoms may include tension, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, headaches, loss of appetite, and lack of motivation.

Getting through the holiday season can be tough, but it’s possible to find joy and happiness amidst the challenges. Here are 15 suggestions to help combat holiday depression and find moments of joy during this time:

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1. Initiate A New Event

During the holiday season, you can do different actions year after year. One strategy for combating the sadness that might accompany the holiday season is experimenting with different celebrating ways. Plan a short trip somewhere new to see instead of remaining in and doing the same things you typically do at home.

Or, as an alternative to worrying over what to serve for the holiday meal, you might hold a potluck. It is possible to have a lot of fun and excitement by beginning a new tradition, which also relieves a lot of strain for you so that you may enjoy the season a little bit more and also you will not be depressed during the holidays.

2. Set Realistic Goals

When it comes to portraying what the holidays should be like, Hollywood, social media, and the Hallmark channel have created a somewhat romantic and unreachable ideal. It is simple to allow oneself to get preoccupied with what one believes one “ought” to be doing or feeling.
Instead, it would help if you investigated yourself to establish what is and is not within your capabilities. Instead of trying to achieve the sort of vacation shown on greeting cards, set modest objectives for yourself.

It’s possible that you don’t prepare dinner but instead opt for takeaway. It’s also possible that you must get out all your holiday decorations this year. That’s alright. Your emotional well-being is of much greater significance. Your ability to have pleasure in the holidays is directly proportional to the strain you place on yourself.

3. Make Your Plans Simple

Depression has the potential to sap your energy and make it difficult for you to concentrate on tasks. Additionally, it is well-known for making decision-making very difficult to do.
Concentrate on the things that don’t need a lot of mental effort or deliberation rather than packing your vacation schedule with an excessive number of plans, some of which may require a lot of attention to detail or deliberation. Create effortless objectives for yourself, and do your best to not be depressed during the holidays.

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4. Communication Is A Must

When you have a healthy connection with another person, it is often advantageous to talk about your feelings. I strongly advise you to make an appointment with a mental health expert if you believe talking to your loved ones and close friends aren’t helping you get over your distress.
Have a conversation with your healthcare physician and set up an appointment with a therapist as soon as possible. It is essential to remember that you may need medicine in the future.

5. Always Keep An Appropriate Diet

As was just said, a common sign of depression is a shift in appetite, which may result in either a decreased appetite or an increased desire to consume food. Make it a priority to maintain your emphasis on eating a well-balanced and healthful diet to combat this.
Similarly, if you are concerned that you may be tempted to overeat during a holiday party, you should either bring your healthy food selections or pay attention to the portions you are eating.

6. Have Some Patience With Yourself

During the holiday season, some people who struggle with depression may think, “This is meant to be a joyful time of year.” Why is it that I can’t simply be happy?
On the other hand, it’s only sometimes a good idea to go into the holiday season with the assumption that you’ll be joyful nonstop. This might backfire. During holidays, ensuring that your expectations align with what is possible, so you do not get disheartened is essential.

7. Avoid Consuming Alcohol

If you’re experiencing depression, you may be tempted to turn to alcohol as a means of self-medicating, but you shouldn’t. Drinking alcohol might make the symptoms much more severe.
Prepare yourself mentally before attending holiday parties or get-togethers where you know you could be tempted to drink alcohol. There is no need to be bashful about bringing your non-alcoholic beverage, so don’t be afraid to do so. It can you not be depressed during the holidays.

8. Start Exercising

You probably already know that taking care of your body by exercising regularly is good for your health for several reasons, but did you know that exercise can also help to not be depressed during the holidays? So, get up and go.
Instead of doing your holiday shopping online, consider going to a traditional brick-and-mortar store. Instead of utilizing your snow blower, grab the shovel and go to work clearing the snow off your driveway and singing holiday carols while taking a stroll across the neighborhood with friends. It’s the small things that add up.

9. Throw Out The Nonsense

Avoid exhausting oneself only to keep up with the expectations of holiday customs. What difference does it make if you don’t have holiday lights up this year?
What does it matter if you still need to receive the unique holiday mugs hidden in the crawl space? Take some time off for yourself. Your holiday joy will not be enhanced by worrying about such inconsequential matters. Throwing the stupid things in the dustbin can assist you in not be depressed during the holidays.

10. Meditation and Breathing Relaxation

Mindfulness training is an effective method for reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. You can relax and bring your anxious thoughts under control when you are present in each moment. One approach to achieving this goal is to use YouTube channels that provide guided meditation practices.

This may be done at any time and location, and it need not take up much of your time. Using mobile applications, you may also check in for a mindful moment while on the road. Even if you give yourself a few seconds to meditate, you may find that it is precisely what you need to help you deal with circumstances that have the potential to not be depressed during the holidays.

11. Get Ahead Of The Difficulties

Consider the individuals or circumstances that tend to cause you to stress around the holidays, and then work to find methods to avoid them. If visiting your uncle makes you anxious, you may want to avoid his New Year’s celebration and pay him a visit on New Year’s Day for a brief greeting instead.
Check into a motel in the neighbourhood rather than crashing into the dreary old room you used to occupy while living with your stepfather. You do have more power over the situation than you believe you have.

12. Seek Help If You Are Bereaved Of A Loved One

When a loved one has passed away, the holidays may be tough for those left behind. Spending time with friends and family may be therapeutic throughout the grieving process, despite the temptation to withdraw from others and focus on one’s sorrow. They can provide you assistance as you go through this challenging period.

13. Accept Yourself In All Ways

Put your disagreements aside and try to accept family and friends just as they are. When things do not go according to plan, it is important to empathize with those who get unhappy or concerned. They may also be experiencing the impacts of holiday-related stress and despair.

14. Spend Some Time On Your Own

To help you recharge your batteries, give yourself 15 minutes of uninterrupted time alone. You could like picking up a book to read, crocheting, getting a massage or pedicure, going for a stroll, or listening to some of your favourite music.

15. Seek The Assistance Of Professionals

Remember that you should always be truthful with yourself at the end of the day. If your symptoms worsen, you should consult a medical professional as soon as possible. If you have not done so, look for a physician in whom you have complete faith.
After that, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to explore potential therapy choices and the sentiments you often experience during the holiday. You may also consider attending local conferences, joining local support groups, and checking any useful clinical websites and books.

Conclusion:

Don’t let anxiety or depression overshadow your holiday season. Take steps to identify and address the sources of your feelings, and focus on positive thinking, self-care, and preparation to find joy during this time. Remember, it’s often the simplest things that bring us happiness.

Feeling stressed is common in everyday life, but how you respond to stress can impact your overall health and well-being. Mindfulness is a technique that can help manage stress by developing awareness of the present moment. Research has shown mindfulness to be beneficial for various medical and psychological conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.