The Holiday Season Blues

So many joyous commercials. So many festive lights and events. Many are planning trips and shopping sprees. Employers are planning exciting parties to celebrate. However, not everyone is in the holiday mood for many reasons. It is important to take the time to allow yourself permission to feel what you feel.

Many people have suffered losses this year, whether it was due to death, divorce, loss of a home, loss of a business, or the loss of a relationship. One thing is clear; a loss is a loss. Giving yourself permission to feel, step away to take care of you and to practice self-care is okay. Please be kind to yourself and do not put pressure on yourself to push through. There are ways to use your time this season the way you think is best. The end of the year can be a perfect time to refresh and renew. Allowing yourself the time to “gather your thoughts” or “take a time out” is a form of self-care. Here are some ideas to help you practice self-care this season:

Gathering Your Thoughts

o   Take a walk through your neighborhood or through the park during a lunch break.

o   Going for a drive; park near nature (water, trees, preserve), meditating on the view from the comfort of your vehicle can be therapeutic.

o   Listen to a different genre of music that is soft and soothing. You might try ocean waves or rain soundtracks.

o   Journal the good and positive events, activities, involvements, and plans you had this year. Numbering them could add an extra drop of pleasure once you finish and see how much good has touched your year. (practicing gratitude)

Taking a Time Out

o   Watch your favorite stand-up comedian during a live event.

o   Spend quality time with a friend or two.

o   Take a bubble bath with a chilled beverage and soft music.

o   Take a break from social media, email checking, and returning business calls for one hour daily. During this time, allow yourself to sit perfectly still and listen to your breathing, feel your heart beating, close your eyes, and put your feet up. Set a timer for one hour. Repeat for one full week. Journal your ideas, solutions, or what came to your mind during that time. Review it later in the week. You may have solved world peace!

These are just a short list of ideas. Hopefully, you can think of a few more things that would best fit your personality and your lifestyle.  Whether you celebrate the season or are having a difficult time this season, please be sure to incorporate strategies to help you improve your self-care strategies. You can do this!!!! Take good care of you!!!!! You deserve it!!!!

-Intern, Dr. Rochelle Edwards