Rising Above the Holiday Blues
BY KRISTINA DRAGNEA REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Photo by Ospan Ali on unsplash
This time of year can feel tremendously warm and joyful and resembles a time where we come together, celebrate life and all of the goodness within it. For some, however, it may not feel as joyful.
The stress of the holidays can trigger sadness and depression. Between too much family, or lack thereof, to endless holiday parties, you may find yourself feeling many different emotions. There are also many expectations to feel “good” and “merry” and perhaps you are just not feeling this way. We call this the “Holiday Blues” and we want you to know that you are not alone in feeling this way. In fact, it’s likely that more people feel the same way, they just simply do not express it. What can we do about this? There is a beautiful art we like to call being grateful.
“Gratitude is the best medicine. It heals your mind, your body and your spirit. And attracts more things to be grateful for”
- Anonymous
When you find yourself slipping into the Holiday Blues, try listing 5 things you are grateful for.
Your very presence on this Earth? Your health? How about our access to clean drinking water and food? Or the beautiful city we live in! How about the opportunity to grow and to change things we dislike about ourselves and our lives. The power is in you to change your thoughts. If they are negative, recognize them, say hello to them and then choose to focus on something positive instead. This may not come naturally or easy to all, but it is essential to overcoming a time that can feel so difficult. It may also help to go for a walk or practice mindful movement, like yoga. Move with your breath and know that no matter what, it will always be there to guide you.
We wish you the best in health and happiness this holiday season!
Be well, now and always.
Kristina + The MM Collab