Some people say that the holidays are the happiest time of the year. However, for some, it's actually the worst time of the year. If you're one of the people who hate the season, there are a few things you can do. Here are a few ways to stop being so depressed around the holidays:
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1. Volunteer
When you help others, you help yourself. You'll feel better after a few hours of helping the less fortunate. It'll make you learn to appreciate your own life.
2. Don’t Waste All of Your Money on Gifts
If you're low on cash, don't waste all of your money on gifts. Your family and friends will be just as happy with handmade crafts as they'd be with expensive gifts.
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3. Spend Time with Friends
If you don't have family to spend time with, you should spend time with your friends. After all, they're so close to you that you can consider them family.
4. Get Enough Sleep
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Don't let your visions of sugarplums keep you up at night. Make sure you take a break from shopping and decorating to get enough sleep.
5. Exercise
Exercising can help you forget about how stressful the holiday season is. Pop in your earbuds, go for a run, and let your worries drift away.
6. Don’t Argue with Your Family
Some of your family members are going to make nasty comments at Christmas dinner. Instead of arguing with them, just ignore them.
7. Don’t Compare This Year to Last Year
Don't compare this Christmas to your past Christmases. Things change over time. You can't go back to the past.
8. Stay inside
Don't go out in the heavy traffic or the cold snow. Stay inside and keep warm by the fire. You'll be happier that way.
9. Don’t Overeat
It's tempting to pack your plate with food around the holidays. However, you're only going to feel guilty if you overeat.
10. Don’t Drink Too Much
Don't overdo it on the alcohol, either. It isn't going to solve any of your problems.
11. Don’t Take on Too Much at Once
Don't agree to extra shifts at your office, agree to babysit, and do volunteer work all in the same week. You shouldn't put too much on your plate at once.
12. Listen to Cheery Music
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Don't turn off the Christmas music as soon as you hear it. The cheeriness of it might actually put you in a better mood.
13. Have Modest Expectations
It's easy to have high expectations around the holidays. However, you need to be realistic. Otherwise, you're going to feel let down when Christmas actually comes.
14. Skip Certain Parties
You don't have to accept every invitation you receive to holiday parties. If you feel bad turning them down, only stay a few minutes, say hello, and then leave.
15. Shop Online
The stores are crowded around this time of year. To avoid the stress of them, do all of your shopping online instead of driving down to the mall and searching for a parking spot.
16. Change Your Traditions
If you hate Christmas, because of all of the silly traditions, you can make new traditions. Turn the holiday into something you'll be excited for.
17. Buy a Gift for Yourself
Don't forget to buy yourself a gift. A trip to a spa is just the thing you need to relax.
You don't have to be miserable the entire season. Do you love the holidays, or do they depress you?
Comments
Indi: This time last year I had just got out of hospital for my depression so I'm finding myself quite down these holidays and maybe that might be the reason
Jazm: Depression is not something u can stop. It's a mentall illness.
Kris: Exercise, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and if depression continues, see a health care professional. Depression is a viable, real, TREATABLE illness that needs to be properly diagnosed.
BrittanyBAKER: Yes it is! Depression sucks.... I'm being treated for depression, but it's not as effective as it was before. Thanks for the tips :)
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