8 Tips For Managing The ‘Holiday Blues’
The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time. Some might even say this is “the most wonderful time of the of year.” But not everyone. For many people, the holidays can trigger depression, anxiety, and deep loneliness depending on their circumstances. We call it the “holiday blues,” but it can be more than that.
When I lived on the West Coast after college, I felt very much alone spending Christmas there. I was almost 3,000 miles away from my family in Pennsylvania and didn’t know many people in my new city yet. It was tough. Thankfully, I had work to keep me busy. I also took a lot of walks.
A CDC study revealed that people said their mental illness was worse over the holidays. Fortunately, help is available for anyone suffering from the “holiday blues” or worse. You can always call or text the 24/7 crisis hotline at 988 and be connected with a real person who will speak with you. The 988 Helpline is also sharing some tips to help you cope during this time of year.
8 Ways To Manage The ‘Holiday Blues’
- Connect with others who feel the same way.
- Journal about what is worrying you the most about the holidays and what you need to make the season better.
- Use the holiday season as an excuse to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Boost the quality of the interactions you do have.
- Do some volunteer work.
- Fill your house with sound.
- Spend time with animals.
- Make post-holiday plans so you can look forward to something positive.
You can read more ways to manage your holiday stress and anxiety HERE. And remember, you’re not alone. You can call the free and confidential helpline at 988 whenever you feel that you need emergency emotional support. Someone will always be there for you.
7 Foods That May Calm Your Anxiety
Blueberries
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This superfood is known to have some amazing powers. Blueberries can reverse cognitive decline, stave off dementia and lower your risk of heart disease. They’re also loaded with vitamin C, which can help lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – and that may help ease anxiety.
Dark Chocolate
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Eating this tasty treat comes with lots of benefits, including lowering blood pressure, enhancing alertness, and even improving your sex life. And some research finds that dark chocolate could reduce anxiety because it’s linked to comfort.
Eggs
(Photo Illustration by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
They truly are incredible! In addition to being a good source of protein, eggs are high in vitamin D, which the body uses to produce and release serotonin, which can help boost your mood.
Hummus
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The popular dip made from chickpeas is a good source of tryptophan that the body uses to make melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin can help with sleep, which in turn can lower anxiety. More serotonin can help lift your mood, as well as ease anxiety.
Peppermint Tea
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Peppermint tea is made from mint plants so it has no caffeine. It’s also a rich source of polyphenols, which may help reduce inflammation and ease anxiety.
Salmon
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Studies suggest the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can reduce inflammation in the body and lower anxiety as well. Plus, omega-3s also lower the risk of heart disease or stroke, and help with symptoms of eczema and arthritis as well. I try to eat it at least once a week.
Yogurt
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Yogurt is packed with good bacteria that can help build and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. A recent study finds that eating probiotic yogurt once a day for six weeks is linked to lower levels of anxiety.
