Coping with the holiday blues

The holiday season can be difficult for some people. Emotions that come and go year-round might be heightened right now, leaving you feeling frustrated, anxious or even depressed.

If you find yourself struggling with feelings of sadness, here are some tips that might help conquer the holiday blues:

• Take control of daily activities and possible emergencies. If you’re living independently, remove stress by stocking up with food and household supplies prior to the holidays. Ahead of possible inclement weather, keep an emergency kit at home. Test smoke alarms. Let first responders know where you live.

• Maintain a social life. Don’t isolate yourself. Visit relatives and close friends. Communicate by phone or email. If you don’t know your neighbors, introduce yourself.

• On your own? Have fun! Make the holidays special by doing things you enjoy. Prepare meals with your favorite recipes. Listen to music, catch up on your reading or a TV series (especially those with audio description), pop some popcorn or soak in the tub.

• Keep your body and mind healthy. Physical health contributes to emotional health. Walk as much as you can, even indoors. Eat healthy meals. Get quality sleep. Avoid too much alcohol. Practice deep breathing. Meditate by quietly sitting on your own.

• Make a list of all the things for which you’re grateful. It will lift your spirits, and you’re more likely to welcome the New Year with enthusiasm and hopefulness.

• Talk to someone. Talking about how you’re feeling with a friend or family member may help you understand why you feel this way – and may brighten your mood.

ASK FOR HELP

If you find that your feelings of sadness do not go away once the holidays are over, it might help to talk to a healthcare professional.

Lighthouse Guild’s Behavioral Health professionals are here for you now and throughout the year. We can help you deal with your anxiety, depression or difficulty adjusting to vision loss and other health conditions.