Holiday Sadness Is A Thing - & It's Okay!

     With the holidays supposedly being the happiest time of year, it can feel incredibly isolating when you find yourself feeling less than happy. Holiday-time sadness is a real thing, and can feel especially bad when you feel like you’re the only one feeling down. 

     This sadness can sometimes be triggered by extra stress. Maybe you have family issues or are going through hardship and your holiday season doesn’t look like the happy family gatherings you see around you. Especially this year, people are struggling with their mental health more than ever- so it’s really important to remember that if you're feeling less than amazing this holiday season- you're not alone. 

Here are 10 tips to handle sadness around the holidays:

1. Make plans ahead of time. If you’re spending the holidays away from loved ones, schedule a zoom with your family or a phone call with your best friend. Sign up for a virtual workout class at a specific time. Schedule time to fill yourself up and plan things to do that make you feel good. Make yourself a restorative routine and stick to it.

2. Avoid conflict with family. If you are spending time with loved ones but are dealing with family related stress, take care of yourself. Avoid unnecessary conflict and take alone time when you are feeling overwhelmed or in a situation that doesn't bring you joy. 

3. Focus on the good. We know, easier said than done… but even something as small as lighting your favorite candle, making holiday cookies, or putting on your favorite holiday movie. Make a gratitude list and remind yourself that while 2020 has been hard, there are still things to be thankful for.

4. Limit social media consumption. While social media can be great, if you’re finding yourself comparing your holiday plans to others and feeling less than, take a break! This one is important. Focus on staying in the moment- comparison is the thief of joy.

5. Get outside and increase your exposure to sunlight! Even if you’re somewhere cold, take a walk. Breathe in the fresh air and look around and appreciate your environment. Let the sun shine on your skin, which can boost vitamin D levels and help to improve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. 

6. Bulk up your self care! Even if you don’t feel like it will help- pull out all the stops. Little bits of improvement can add up to an overall better mood. Give yourself time to rest and recharge without any expectation of productivity. 

7. Don’t isolate yourself, instead lean into connection- reach out to friends and family. Even a short phone call, a coffee and walk

8. Do something for others. It is scientifically proven that helping others and doing something to benefit someone else is a mood booster and can help significantly when you are in a funk.

9. Be intentional with your energy. Think about who you want to spend your time with (virtually or in person) around the holidays and what you want to give your energy to. Don’t say yes to things that make you feel drained- instead use your energy on things that will revive you and bring you joy.

10. Allow yourself to fully feel your feelings in order to move through them. This has been a tough year for everyone, and your feelings are valid. Reminder that everyone is going through something, even though you might not be able to see it at first glance. 

Give yourself some extra love this year, 2020 is almost over and we have a good feeling about all the good things that are to come.

Xx, My Girl