Courtesy of Pixabay
Holidays are times for celebrations, but they can also be times of immense sadness. Why? Holidays occur in the present moment, but memories from the past may visit. These memories may include family members who have passed away, happier times with loved ones who are no longer in your life due to circumstances or the passage of time. You may experience waves of emotions from happiness to depression. How do you cope with holiday blues? Let's discuss...
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Living in denial is like having arguments with your heart and mind. The heart is experiencing the authentic emotions of loss, but the mind strives to pretend it is not happening. Only through accepting your true feelings are you able to cope with reality. Denial keeps you stuck in the past. Feel the sad feelings fully without judgment. Allow yourself to cry, if you need to. Take a moment to sit alone and reflect.
Regrets Are Signs of Growth
Regrets are judging the past through the eyes of your present mind. Shoulda, coulda, woulda are the ways we reflect on past choices based on information that we did not have at the time. As they say, 'If I knew then what I know now, then...' are ways we judge ourselves for not having the knowledge to make better choices in the past. You did the best that you could with the information you had at the time. Regrets are signs that you have grown. Appreciate who you are now and act accordingly.
Family Feuds
Holidays are times when families come together, which may or may not be a blessing depending on your family relationships. Agree not to discuss politics or other heated topics with family members to keep the peace. Look at the bigger picture. Do not let a family feud isolate you from people who you love. Accept people for who they are and not for who you want them to be.
Practice Self-Care and Relaxation
Take a hot bath, drink your favorite tea, read, stretch, exercise, listen to music, and/or take a moment to be alone. Pause and notice whenever pressures of the holidays become too much. Only you can take good care of you.
Volunteer
Connecting with others through volunteering is healthy. At the same time, you are making the world the better place through your good works. Many non-profits request donations and/or time during the holidays. Research the best fit for your interests and personality. Get involved.
Get Therapy/Counseling
Seek mental health assistance when the holidays are too rough. If you cannot change something, change how you think about it. Every breath you take is a sign of your life and existence. You are valuable. If you feel overwhelmed, seek counseling through a therapist, counselor or a trusted friend.
Try Something New
Doing something new may be the spice you need in your life. If you keep doing the same things, then you will get the same results. The only way to find out what does work for you is to be courageous and do something new. This may also include stopping what does not work. Just because something worked in the past does not mean it works in the present. Stop is a valid word. No is a valid word. Put yourself first.
Write It Out
Writing down your feelings is an excellent way to clarify thoughts and emotions. This is a way to get in touch with your innermost thoughts. By dating your entries, you can document your growth over the years.
Find Your Strength in Love
Love exists in different forms. Appreciate the love that you have and can hold. Love what truly loves you. Abuse is not love. Attention is not love, always. Appreciate what appreciates you.
You Will Survive
Be optimistic about life and strive to see your blessings. In the midst of stressful times, believe you have the power within to survive. This means getting the mental health that you need and acknowleding when you are overwhelmed and need help. You are still here. Have gratitude. Be alive.
References
https://pixabay.com/photos/smiley-emoticon-anger-angry-2979107/