The holiday season feels like it should be the most joyful time of year. In reality, the holiday season often brings on stress, anxiety, and depression for many individuals. You may have heard phrases such as “Holiday Blues” or “Winter Woes” to describe these feelings that people experience around holidays, but it’s important to recognize when these begin to take a toll on your mental and physical health. People are often burdened by expectations and financial strain while experiencing loneliness amid the chaos. Here are some important things to know when it comes to dealing with holiday depression and seasonal stress.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, speaking with others openly and honestly is often the first step to getting proper help. You may not know what people in your life are dealing with, but starting the conversation may enable you to find a therapist or resources for yourself or a loved one. Listening is another key ingredient to helping yourself and others. Listen to your own body, mind, and soul. Discover your limits and learn how to set boundaries for yourself and others. This will help you and people in your life understand when you need a break. Create a two-way path for communication and empathy by encouraging others to recognize their limits and share when they feel overwhelmed.
With so much to do and so little time, people often overextend themselves and experience burnout by the end of the year which is detrimental and may lead to more serious problems if it is part of a continuous cycle. Reduce stress by taking steps to protect your needs and respecting the needs of others.
HOW TO MANAGE STRESS ON A DAILY BASIS
Spend at least 15 minutes each day doing something that allows you to relax, unwind, and decompress. This can prevent the build-up of stress over time and enables you to manage difficult moments and instances of overwhelming emotions that may arise throughout the day. Dedicating this time to yourself serves as an opportunity for your mind and body to reset.
Journaling is one way you may decide to express your emotions. Letting your thoughts flow as a stream of consciousness may be very therapeutic after a long day. Try practicing meditation, mindfulness, and yoga before you go to bed or to kickstart your morning. These exercises can help you realign your goals and regain focus on what matters most to you. If you feel mentally drained but unable to physically settle, cardio and HIIT workouts may be an effective solution. While the idea of running or further exerting your body may sound intimidating, listen to what your body really needs. 15 minutes of exercise could make the difference between a full night of sleep or a sleepless night. Taking a bath or soaking in a tub for 15 minutes before getting in bed can also help your mind transition and prepare for sleep. Treat yourself to this Dresdner Essenz Holiday Bundle Box and release all of the stress and tension in your mind and body.
Communicating boundaries with others and accommodating boundaries expressed by loved ones may be difficult at first. Knowing how to get help for yourself and loved ones and learning how to manage daily stress will benefit your mental and physical health. Remember that you are not alone if you do not feel cheerful at every moment of the holiday season. Allow others to help you and tune into your emotional and physical needs.
At Dresdner Essenz, we believe it is essential for you to bring moments of peace and harmony back into your day to support your overall well-being. Our products turn daily care into a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience that can help you cope with holiday stress. Shop littlemetime.com to explore all products, and remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace both this holiday season and throughout the year.