Feeling more humdrum than merry these days? You're not the only one. You might be experiencing the ‘holiday blues’: feelings of sadness that come up during the holiday season.
There are a lot of factors that go into the holiday blues. Symptoms of the holiday blues can look a bit like depression or anxiety – and anyone can experience these feelings. You can learn more about the holiday blues in our blog post here.
So – what are some ways you can beat the holiday blues? We put together some ideas for coping with feelings of sadness.
- Get moving: when you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters associated with improved mood and reduced stress. Exercise can help you manage symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, which is common this time of year. Exercise can also boost your immunity, which is helpful during this season of colds and flus.
- Eat the rainbow: did you know that the food you eat can impact your mood? The vitamins and minerals we eat every day help our bodies to function properly. When we have low levels of certain types of vitamins and minerals, that can result in fatigue, irritability, and a depressed mood. One great way to ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need is to ‘eat the rainbow’ - have fruits and vegetables of all colors throughout the day and week.
- Find your next adventure: sunlight, fresh air, and a change of scenery are always a good idea. Getting outside – or even just seeing images of nature – can help reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. And, exposure to natural light can help you sleep better at night.
- Call your person: stay connected to those who mean the most to you during tough times. Social connection can help reduce the risk of conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as physical health problems. Make a phone call, send a text, or go for a walk with a friend or loved one – there are lots of ways to stay connected!