2008 Woodie Awards
Health Talk
Gerald Osborn, D.O.
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: TruLife
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, hearty cuisine and good cheer, but it is not unusual for many of us to feel lonely or isolated during the holidays - a condition that has become known as the "holiday blues." For many people, these feelings arise soon after Halloween and often run through New Year's Eve.
Back-to-back holiday celebrations can provoke a sense of overwhelming responsibility and even anxiety. Along with holiday blues comes the added anxiety about what gifts to buy for whom and where to find the time to buy them. Often, fatigue plays a major role because we are running extra errands and scheduling more events and activities during the day.
For many, an ideal vision of what the holidays should be is far from reality. Hosting a holiday party, entertaining out-of-town guests, buying gifts and caring for children on school break all can be demanding tasks. Additionally, financial constraints, the inability to spend time with loved ones and unrealistic expectations can cause depression during what is supposed to be a joyful time.
Many people become sad when they think about the way things used to be during the holidays. Others become lonely if this is the first holiday without a loved one. In both instances, taking advantage of social support is key. Seeking support from clergy, friends or companions can help lift spirits during the season. Getting involved in the community and helping local charities can lead to meeting new acquaintances.
Other tips for fighting the holiday blues include:
Be realistic
Family tradition will always be important during the holidays, but unfortunately, as families grow and change, so do the rituals. If the entire family is not able to get together, think about exchanging holiday photos by e-mail, talking on the phone regularly or even swapping scrapbooks.
Stick to a budget
As the holiday season quickly approaches, try to set aside money each month for gifts. Over-spending can cause anxiety when trying to pay holiday bills. Try alternatives such as making homemade gifts or drawing names within your family.
Don't abandon healthy habits
The holiday season can be stressful, so maintaining a daily exercise routine is important. Eating a healthy snack before a holiday party can make snacking on sweets less tempting.
Learn to say no
It is almost impossible to attend every holiday party and social event, agreeing to attend only the events you truly want to will minimize stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Plan ahead
Develop a calendar and designate certain activities for specific days such as shopping, visiting friends and other social events.
Back-to-back holiday celebrations can provoke a sense of overwhelming responsibility and even anxiety. Along with holiday blues comes the added anxiety about what gifts to buy for whom and where to find the time to buy them. Often, fatigue plays a major role because we are running extra errands and scheduling more events and activities during the day.
For many, an ideal vision of what the holidays should be is far from reality. Hosting a holiday party, entertaining out-of-town guests, buying gifts and caring for children on school break all can be demanding tasks. Additionally, financial constraints, the inability to spend time with loved ones and unrealistic expectations can cause depression during what is supposed to be a joyful time.
Many people become sad when they think about the way things used to be during the holidays. Others become lonely if this is the first holiday without a loved one. In both instances, taking advantage of social support is key. Seeking support from clergy, friends or companions can help lift spirits during the season. Getting involved in the community and helping local charities can lead to meeting new acquaintances.
Other tips for fighting the holiday blues include:
Be realistic
Family tradition will always be important during the holidays, but unfortunately, as families grow and change, so do the rituals. If the entire family is not able to get together, think about exchanging holiday photos by e-mail, talking on the phone regularly or even swapping scrapbooks.
Stick to a budget
As the holiday season quickly approaches, try to set aside money each month for gifts. Over-spending can cause anxiety when trying to pay holiday bills. Try alternatives such as making homemade gifts or drawing names within your family.
Don't abandon healthy habits
The holiday season can be stressful, so maintaining a daily exercise routine is important. Eating a healthy snack before a holiday party can make snacking on sweets less tempting.
Learn to say no
It is almost impossible to attend every holiday party and social event, agreeing to attend only the events you truly want to will minimize stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Plan ahead
Develop a calendar and designate certain activities for specific days such as shopping, visiting friends and other social events.
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