It’s the holiday season. Maybe you’re rushing to get things done, or maybe you’re a little lonely when you hear a song about family and togetherness. Maybe this time of year isn’t the cozy, picture-perfect time that you wanted.
Sometimes the holidays don’t live up to our expectations or all the hype. If you are feeling more blue than jolly, or more stressed than festive, that’s ok. Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself so you don’t feel like you’re stuck out in the cold.
Manage Your Feelings
Take one step at a time to help manage your feelings. Your emotions may feel like you are on a roller coaster. Try to stop, take stock of your feelings, and do something for yourself. You can:
Reach Out to Others
If possible, reach out to your family or to the community. Social support is key during the holidays, especially if you are feeling lonely. If you don’t have traditional family and friendship support, you can:
Keep Expectations Realistic
Keep expectations realistic for yourself, no matter what steps you take. If you can do only one of these steps, start small and work your way up. If you’re feeling more ambitious, take on what you know you can handle, and keep things real. Try not to overcommit, and if you do, then don’t beat yourself up if things don’t turn out perfect.
Taking little steps to take care of yourself can make a big difference. If this holiday season isn’t what you expected and you’re feeling blue, use these suggestions to take extra good care of yourself.