the holiday season

Let's chat about the holiday season.

Regardless of your religious affiliation, many people see holidays such as Christmas as a time for family and friends. However, for some people the holiday season can be a time of dread. Thanks to the constant stream of marketing around Christmas it can be a reminder of the loss or absence of friends or family, ill health and/or ill finances. Holiday seasons such as Christmas can leave many people feeling alone and lonely, rather than uplifted and enthusiastic. People get depressed because Christmas can trigger excessive self-reflection and rumination about the inadequacies of life in comparison to others.

If you're one of those people who dread holiday festivities here are a few tips to help get you though:

• Connect with people who make you feel good. This could be via phone, social media, or your local grocery store. We all know someone that can make us laugh - that person may even be you! If you've said no to an invitation, call back and say you've changed your mind.

• Make an effort to cheer up someone else's day. Spreading the cheer - or the odd joke, is shown to be contagious and will not only benefit the other person but also your own sense of wellbeing.

• Although you may feel like withdrawing, why not lend a hand to a volunteer group over Christmas? There are lots of charities who need help. You’ll connect with people - or animals, and feel good about making a positive contribution.

• Host an online Christmas. Do you have online friends? Do you have long-distance relatives? Host an online Christmas party by setting up a Skype chatroom or Facebook group. As an added bonus, you'll have a chance to practice your social skills as you welcome new people to the group and catch up with old friends.

• Make plans for Christmas Day. Develop a plan in advance to avoid feeling depressed or stressed on the day. Perhaps make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance to enjoy on the day, attend a local church service or take a stroll through the local park.

• Drink in moderation. It may be tempting to drink too much during the festive period, but alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. Alcohol may be a problem if you’re drinking to cope.

• Play your favourite music. Music has a unique way of lifting us up and helps us to reflect on happy times - and don't forget to dance!

Contrary to what the marketers will tell you, everyone has different experiences and expectations for Christmas. Create your own holiday season style and make it your own unique time, filled with the things that you like to enjoy and make you happy.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of the coming Christmas period, contact me and let's chat about some of the many ways you can overcome the loneliness and anxiety that so many people feel during this time of the year.

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