During the holiday season, many people have to live with very heavy issues, and it can be an overwhelming time of the year. It’s not always a joyous season; despite the truth, we know about the true meaning of Christmas. Life doesn’t stop—and in some cases, we may find ourselves deep in sorrow and grief between November and January.
Depression and anxiety are unwanted companions during the holidays for many of us. Grief and overwhelming sadness seem to be exaggerated. The weight of a broken heart can crush us during the holiday season. The memories of the loss of a loved one can make us not want to be involved in normal family celebrations.
Sometimes, we are simply too overcome with emotions to muster up the courage to step out of the box of sadness that was delivered to us.
I have experienced several deaths and losses in my life (2020, 2021, 2022) and in the beginning stages of grief, I did not allow myself the time and space that I needed to heal. This caused the holidays to be filled with grief, stress, and anxiety.
Here are some ways that I have found to press through this holiday stress and grief without feeling depleted and empty:
Be Honest with Yourself
Start being honest with yourself. You hide this sadness by putting on different masks, but the truth is still there. Stop lying to yourself about how you really feel. You may be wanting to skip this step because you don’t want to address it as it’s too painful. You might feel as if you will be overcome by emotions and tears…but that is perfectly fine! Tears are healing and sometimes needed.
Talk About It
Communicating what you are going through is essential when dealing with sadness and grief. If you keep everything bottled up and tucked away, you could be making yourself sadder and even sick. It is proven that stress and prolonged sadness do contribute to physical ailments. Can you imagine how unhealthy we are making ourselves by not communicating our grief?
Pick the right person. Lean a little bit harder on your tribe for more support.
*If you already have a therapist, don’t skip sessions! You really need the outlet.
Exercise
Exercise has transforming effects on your physical and emotional state. If you aren’t a fitness person, you can still get some exercise in your schedule. Take the steps at work instead of the elevator, park a little further away at the store, do some extra walking around the store as well. Walking, cardio, and swimming are easy to add into your everyday schedule.
Try adding thirty minutes of physical activity during the holiday season to combat the holiday blues.
Get Enough Sleep
When you don’t get enough rest, you are more prone to be grumpy and moody. It is recommended to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. You may not be able to pull all-nighters anymore!
Adjust your schedule accordingly so that you can get the right amount of sleep.
Say “No”
Saying no is a powerful tool. Maybe you have been doing the same family/friend outing for years and each year, it leaves you feeling drained. You leave depleted and filled with negativity. This could be the year you decline the invitation because your own grief, depression, and anxiety are just too much for you. Don’t be afraid to say NO.
Your people will still care for you the same.
Get Some Sunlight
During the winter months, we lack sunlight and it has very real effects on us.
Taking a brisk 10-15 minute walk is a great way to soak up some rays and it boosts our mood.
During the winter months, the days are shorter and colder, and many of us notice a drastic change in energy and moods. This is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it can directly affect our moods in the winter. A lack of sunshine and Vitamin D is a key reason that some of us feel so depleted and depressed. {Please consult your doctor for more assistance with Vitamin D supplements.}
Now hold up!! You know I have to throw some faith up in here!!!
Here are a few biblical truths to cling to:
God IS with you. Even when you don’t feel that way.
“The Lord is close to ALL who call on Him.”
Psalm 145:18-19
You CAN have joy this season.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
Your life DOES have a purpose.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
In your lowest moments, God cares for you and WILL protect you.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
God Bless You,
Tenia Hoskins
