The holiday season is one filled with celebration and joy for many, but it can also be a season of stress, loneliness, and depression. If they aren’t dealt with in a positive way, these “holiday blues” can have a very real impact on both your mental and physical health. Fortunately, there are things you can do to deal with these feelings and experiences in a healthy way. Here is a brief list of some positive actions you can take to deal with holiday blues, courtesy of www.mayoclinic.org. 

1. Acknowledge your feelings: it is much better to express your emotions and feelings in a healthy way rather than trying to suppress, deny, or “stuff” them.

2. Reach out: resisting the urge to isolate yourself can be important, whether it means spending time with family or friends, going to a social event, or finding a way to volunteer and help others.

3. Be realistic: realize that the holidays do not have to be “perfect” to be enjoyable. Traditions may change over time, and one year’s holiday may not be like the previous ones.

4. Set aside differences: recognize that all people are different and will not always agree. It can be healthy to communicate concerns and grievances with people close to you, but the holiday season may not be the best time to do so, especially as others are feeling the stress of the holidays as well.

5. Stick to a budget: financial stress can become overwhelming if you feel the need to spend enormous amounts of money. Realize that gifts will not buy happiness, and be mindful of how much you can spend. Avoid going into debt when possible.

6. Plan ahead: whether it is for holiday meals, parties, or shopping, having a game plan ahead of time (and some people lined up to help) eases last-minute panic.

7. Learn to say no: be aware of your time and energy limits, and be okay with saying no to too many projects or activities. Friends and family understand that you cannot do everything.

8. Don’t abandon healthy habits: it’s okay to indulge sometimes in the holiday season, but be careful to remain active, get plenty of sleep, and be mindful of your overall eating habits.

9. Take a breather: scheduling just a few minutes to yourself can help you refocus and catch your breath. Read a book, take a walk, or listen to some of your favorite music.

10. Seek professional help if you need it: don’t be ashamed to ask for help from a doctor or mental health professional if you are having continued difficulty coping with the holiday blues, or they are severely disrupting your life.

The full source article may be found at  here. The library will be closed on December 24-25 and December 31-January 1 for holiday observances. Thank you, Great Bend community, for a great year, and we at the library want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year. 

Michael Adamyk is the Marketing and Technical Services Manager at the Great Bend Public Library. He can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.