Avoiding Holiday Blues

December 7, 2022 | Posted in Bank Blogs

The holiday season is in full frenzy. And while television commercials, magazines, and greeting cards like to highlight the joy and peace of this time of year, the holidays can be a very difficult and stressful time for some. With the financial pressures of gift giving and the loss of loved ones, it's not uncommon to feel sadness, depression, and stress.

One of the ways to reduce stress and anxiety during the holiday season is to take care of yourself. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Eat healthy. With holiday gatherings and office parties, it's easy to overindulge in the sweet treats of the holiday season. While no one should be denied an occasional treat, it's important to continue to follow a healthy diet and refrain from overindulging in unhealthy foods. Instead of snacking on chocolate, snack on grapes and other healthy fruits.
2. Budget yourself. The best way to avoid the financial stress of the holidays is to set aside a realistic budget for gifts. If you are unable to purchase gifts for your loved ones, consider making gifts or spending time with them. If you can purchase gifts, try to pay with cash or your debit card. There's nothing more depressing than receiving high credit card bills after the holidays.
3. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure that the frenzy of the holiday season doesn't upset your sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation can add to depression so be sure to get a solid eight hours of sleep a night.
4. Take time for yourself. The frenzy of the holidays can easily make even the calmest of people feel overwhelmed. Be sure to take some quiet time for yourself to either read a book, go for a walk, or visit with friends.
5. Ask for help. You can't do everything for everyone. Prioritize what's most important for the holiday season and don't be afraid to ask others for help. For example, if you're hosting a holiday dinner, ask your family members and friends to make a dish or help with the preparation or clean up.
6. Take time off from work. If you still have vacation time left from work, take a few days off to either prepare for your holiday gatherings or to catch your breath afterwards.
7. Get support. If you're dealing with the emptiness over the loss of a loved one, reach out to others and join a support group. It's always reassuring to be around people who understand.
8. Seek professional help if you need it. If you feel sad or anxious or have trouble sleeping, seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. Early intervention is key to getting you back on track.