Do you feel sad during the holidays? (Holiday Blues) Here are ways to get rid of this stress!

During the holidays like New Year and Christmas, everyone is so happy, right? There's music everywhere, the smell of food, laughter... But in the midst of all this, are there times when you feel a heavy burden, sadness, or loneliness? Have you ever wondered why I'm the only one feeling this way when everyone else is happy? To be honest, this feeling isn't unique to you. Many people feel this kind of stress during the holidays.

Especially if you are someone who suffers from depression , or has suffered from it in the past, you should be very careful about the stress that arises during this time. But don't panic. With a little effort, you can reduce this stress and find joy during the festive season. Let's look at some simple ways that can help.

How do you manage your emotions?

1. Don't have high expectations.

Don't think of the festive season as a time when everything has to be perfect , like a greeting card or a movie. If you force yourself to think, "I just have to be happy," you'll just add more pressure. So, don't expect too much, and face the day as it comes.

2. Try something different.

Are you tired of doing the same old things every day? Then make a change this time. Maybe instead of cooking New Year's Eve at home, eat at a nice restaurant. Go see a movie with your family on Christmas Day. Instead of giving gifts, collect that money and donate it to someone in need, like an orphanage.

3. Reach out to your own 'support system'

It's a great strength to have someone to talk to and understand you when you're feeling down. Similarly, if you have close friends or family, talk to them regularly these days. At least make a phone call and stay in touch.

4. Don't think everything will go wrong.

Some people worry even before the festive season begins, thinking, "Oh, there will be a lot of problems this time too." Thinking like that will only make you feel even more depressed. So try to stay calm, without expecting too much, good or bad.

5. Forget unnecessary things

Don't stress yourself out thinking you have to keep traditions. It's okay if you can't put up lights around the house this time. It's okay if you can't find special gifts for everyone. Give yourself a break. Worrying about small things like this will only take away your happiness.

6. Help out voluntarily

You may already feel overwhelmed and exhausted. But try to find a little time to help those who are more needy than you. Go to a nursing home and help out, or buy a meal for a needy family. You will also feel a great sense of relief when you think , "At least I brought a smile to someone's face."

What do you do about problems with family members?

It's normal to have minor disagreements when family members gather. But if these are affecting your mental health, try these things.

How do you cope with parties and celebrations?

Busy festivals and parties can be a lot of stress for some people.

• Don't say "yes" to everything:The holiday season lasts for weeks. If you go to every place everyone invites you to, you can become tired and stressed. Choose the places you really want to go.
• Come back anytime after you leave: You don't have to wait until the party is over just because you went. You have the right to come back after a while and say, "I have more work to do." If you think, "I'll be back in an hour," before you leave, you'll feel less anxious.
• Go with a friend: If you're scared to go to a place like an office party alone, go with a friend, or talk to them about coming together. It'll feel a lot better to have someone to talk to.

Most importantly: Take care of yourself (Self-Care)

In these busy times, it's easy to forget about yourself, but self-care is the most important thing for your mental health.

• Sleep: Try to avoid disrupting your normal sleep patterns as much as possible. Staying up late at parties or wrapping presents until dawn can put a damper on your mood.
• Exercise: You may be wondering, "Where is the time to exercise?" But exercise has been proven to have a huge impact on stress and depression. Walk a little farther when you go to the store. Walk to the post office instead of driving to drop off your mail.
• Food and Drink: It's hard to control your food intake during the festive season. But try to eat as healthy as possible. But don't feel bad about eating too much cake one day. It's not a big deal, just control it again the next day.
• Stay away from alcohol: Alcohol consumption is high during the festive season. Some people use alcohol to overcome their fear of socializing. But remember, alcohol is a depressant. It can make you feel even more sad and stressed. If you are taking medication for depression, alcohol consumption can be dangerous. Be sure to ask your doctor about it.
• Take your medication properly: If you are taking medication for any condition, especially depression, don't skip your medication during these busy days. Get a new one before it runs out.
• Seek professional help: If you are seeing a therapist or counselor, schedule an extra session before the holidays. This will give you a lot of strength to cope during this time.