Got the Christmas Blues?

'Tis the season to be jolly..... Or is it? Not everyone looks forward to Christmas and it can be a time that triggers emotional challenges.

Even if you’re surrounded by family, relations can be fraught and bring up old wounds. If life already feels lonely, Christmas often makes that so much worse - especially if it’s as if everyone else is having all the fun.

Anyone who has lost a close family member, friend, or pet may be feeling their absence even more at Christmas.

For those who do enjoy the festive season, time off to mull things over, added to dark, cold days, can easily result in disappointment, anxiety, and hopelessness. The festive season can bring with it other stressors too, including alcohol, lack of sleep and increased financial strain. Not always a recipe for jolliness!

Here are some tips that might help:

Get Moving

Exercise ideally every day - it’s probably the easiest way to help alleviate low mood as it increases dopamine and norepinephrine. Even a brisk walk will get you feeling better.

When Just Sitting on Your Butt Ain’t Helping

Fresh Air

Get yourself outside, whatever the weather - it will clean your lungs, lower your heart rate, increase energy levels, and even improve your digestion. Cabin fever does not create harmony!

Catch Those Rays

When the sun does come out, catch those rays on your face. Sunlight helps boost serotonin, giving us more energy, positivity, and focus. Even if you’re sitting by a sunny window, the sunlight on your retina triggers serotonin. If you struggle with darkness, try using a light box - also a welcome gift for anyone who finds the winter months difficult.

Watch your alcohol and food - Don’t forget the water! If your body is sluggish, your mood will be too.

Turn off TV adverts selling you an unrealistic ‘dream’ of Christmas.

Reach out to friends you know who may also be struggling.

Have the courage to say ‘no’ if events only make you feel worse.

Volunteer to cheer up others - so many people need extra support.

Take Vitamin D. Lack of this can lead to aches and low mood.

Smile and look up. The mind/body connection is powerful, and this alone can help shift a negative mood.

Practice gratitude and openly show appreciation to loved ones whenever you can.

Reflect on your personal highlights from 2024 and pledge to ensure you plan similar activities that will bring you joy in 2025.

Where to go for help?

Just Talking - Talking to someone who listens can significantly ease loneliness, anxiety, or grief. This can be a friend or family member too...a listening ear is a powerfully healing gift!

Hypnotherapy / Reiki – For longer-term help, hypnotherapy can work wonders to improve your mood, change your perspective, and could be the kickstart you need for a fresh mindset for 2025.