Boundaries and the Holidays: Self-Care (Part 5 of 5)

Dealing with moods and emotions that can come up is a challenge regardless of the time of year. However, the approaching holiday season can induce additional stress that can trigger or further aggravate negative emotions or even symptoms that accompany depression. This can make those who suffer from these symptoms dread the holidays. Below are some ideas to help minimize stress during this difficult time of year and help you make it more of a season of genuine love, joy and celebration! If you missed them, read Part 1: Emotions, Part 2: Family, Part 3:Parties and Part 4:Shopping & Materialism of this series.

8 Ways to Practice Self-Care During the Holidays and Year-round

-Get regular massages, exercise, walks, etc.-whatever rejuvenates you.

-Drink plenty of water.

-Eat sensibly and mindfully.

-Don’t rely on alcoholic holiday drinks (or other substances) to boost mood. (They actually contribute to depression).

-Try a sun lamp if the weather is bleak.

-Take some down time just for yourself, even if it is only 10 minutes per day.

-Talk to your coaching counselor or therapist and be proactive in requesting professional help if you know it is a stressful or blue time of year for you.

-Give yourself a break in your own mind and with the to do list.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of year that brings you down. Instead, it can be an opportunity to significantly increase your self-care to help alleviate the holiday blues, better supporting you throughout the year as a result. A key factor, though, in having this happen is to be proactive in taking steps before you start to have depressive symptoms, and extra steps if the symptoms are creeping up on you.

Adapted from the article http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/25-ways-find-joy-balance-during-holidays#2.