The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and celebration, but for some, it brings a host of unwelcome feelings, often called the “holiday blues.” People experiencing this may feel stressed, downcast, or overwhelmed during December’s festivities. The holiday blues can arise from disruptions in daily routines and diets, reduced daylight hours, or the absence of a loved one who’s no longer here for the holidays.
Ways to Ease the Holiday Blues
Here are some helpful strategies to cope:
Set realistic expectations. The holidays come with lots of events, obligations, and gift-giving pressures. Rather than trying to do everything, decide what truly matters to you. Create a budget and a gift list you can afford. Use a to-do list or schedule to plan your time so you leave space to rest.
Prioritize your health. It’s easy to overeat, drink too much, or skip sleep during holiday parties and commitments. Try to stick to nutritious meals and moderate any alcohol intake (if you’re of legal drinking age). Make rest, exercise, and self-care part of your routine to balance out the demands of the season.
Change things up. Repeating the same traditions year after year can feel heavy. Consider creating a new holiday habit, try a fresh recipe, start a different game or activity, or invent a small ritual that brings you joy and novelty.
Connect with others. Sharing time with understanding people (and pets) can offer comfort. If you feel the holiday blues creeping in and it feels safe to do so, open up about your feelings to someone you trust. Being around loving company helps reinforce your sense of belonging.
Print
PDF
