5 Ways to Stop the Holiday Blues

If you are feeling less than cheerful this holiday season, you have a lot of company. There’s a lot going on. I am finding more people are on edge, quicker to get irritated and uncertain about the future. Add the holidays on top of that, when we’re supposed to be feeling more joy, and it’s easy to understand why we could be feeling depressed.

In my last article, I shared 4 Key Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress. If we don’t manage stress during this time of year, it can lead to the holiday blues. Studies show that depression peaks during and after the holidays, especially for those prone to it. Unmet expectations, missing a loved one, excessive spending, even too much to eat or drink can bring on the blues. Trying to join in holiday cheer and not being able to do so can make anyone feel out of step, and add to a feeling of isolation.

Research shows that depression results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. However scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes the imbalance. People who are depressed appear to have lower levels of some neurotransmitters that control mood or elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone that accumulates in the body due to stress.*

(Next – How to Prevent or Overcome Holiday Blues)

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Rudolf A.

6:58AM PST on Feb 19, 2012

What holiday blues? I have too many interests to get them. People need to try to expand their interests and friend circles beyond those of work.

send a green star

Magdalen B.

2:38AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

What a lovely comment about the little brown birds, Karlolina! You're right.The wildest, loudest, most beautiful song round here comes from the tiny brown wren.

KARLOLINA G.

2:28AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Maybe you can't know for sure what animals are
feeling. But do you believe that little brown birds
get up in the morning and think about how
depressingly grey the sky is? Do you think they wonder about how much prettier
all the other birds are, and how their voice is
kind of small? And do they maybe decide that they
just won't sing that day because they are so sad
about all of this? No, they get up and belt out their songs, day
after day. I think we should develop a greater appreciation
for all of life - including our own.

George M.

11:04AM PST on Dec 26, 2011

Performing acts of kindness for others gets your mind off yourself. Spread the love from within. Also, remember that you cannot control all situations and that others will do what they do. Finally, know that contentment comes from within and not from siutations or other people.

Leanne B.

4:02PM PST on Dec 21, 2011

Thank you

Eternal G.

5:57PM PST on Dec 19, 2011

Ta.

Patricia A.

2:50AM PST on Dec 19, 2011

Logical and helpful - and the comments are good too.

Susan A.

1:20AM PST on Dec 19, 2011

Thanks for the ideas...

Danuta W.

11:57PM PST on Dec 18, 2011

Great article!

Claudette C.

10:50PM PST on Dec 18, 2011

P.S. Rhodiola (rosea) Root works wonderfully, too, to give a feeling of inner calm. Two 250mg. capsules with breakfast, and if needed 1 more 250mg. capsule a few hours later,
and stress can be allieviated. I use it myself. It's been studied and ussed by Korean and Russian cosmonaughts in outer space. There are no negative side-affects. Cheers.