Coping With the Holidays

The following material may be helpful to you in recognizing and dealing with what is commonly referred to as “the holiday blues.” With exception to references to alcohol, the lists are as they appear on the website: www.nicholls.edu/counsleing/newsletters.coping-with-the-holidays/

Factors contributing to the “holiday blues:

· Increased stress
· Unrealistic expectations
· Family issues
· Over-commercialization
· Memories
· Changes in daily routines
· Not having enough money
· Spending more than you can afford
· Fatigue
· Shopping, cooking, parties
· Too much food
· Weight gain
· House guests

Symptoms of “holiday blues”

· Headache
· Sleep problems
· Appetite change/weight loss or gain
· Agitation
· Excessive feelings of guilt
· Difficulty in concentration
· Decreased interest in usually pleasurable activities

Some basic coping strategies:

· Live the basics of good health—eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly
· Set realistic goals and expectations
· Let go of the past
· Try something new
· Set aside differences
· Enjoy free holiday activities
· Do something for someone else
· Spend time with supportive people
· Find time for yourself
· Focus on what you have instead of what you do not have.

Remember, the “holiday blues” are usually a normal response to a stress filled time of year and are usually short-lived, subsiding after the holidays are over and routines are resumed

— via The Family Friend, a monthly newsletter published by the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. It is an excellent resource for articles relating to the family. To learn more consult the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com