December is a time of fun and festivities, but for some the silly season can bring along unwelcome guests like sadness, anxiety and stress. While it’s difficult to perk yourself up when you’re feeling blue, there are ways to lift your spirits and make the Christmas season a little cheerier. Try these tips to brighten your holidays.
If you’re feeling low, reach out and talk to someone - it could be as simple as sending a text, a message on social media, inviting someone over for a cuppa or making a phone call. Ask for help if you need it, and be specific. People are often happy to help if you tell them what you need.
Overscheduling and feeling stretched can lead to emotional breakdowns. Don’t take on more than you feel you can handle, and don’t be afraid to decline invites. Prioritize what is important and necessary and drop all of the rest.
Exercise prompts your brain to release feel-good endorphins into the body. So, grab headphones, dust off your trainers and clock up some miles - even a quick 10-minute walk will help to elevate your heart rate as well as your mood.
Get up and get out – even if you don’t feel like it. Grab a coffee, meet a friend for a movie, or nip to the shops - anything to change your environment. Chances are it’ll do wonders for changing your frame of mind too.
Self-care is essential, especially when you’re feeling down. Treat yourself to a small gift, indulge in a guilty pleasure or put some time aside to do something you love. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or costly, it just needs to make you feel good!
Sleep affects the way we think and feel. So while it may be tempting to stay up late and finish that Netflix-binge, prioritize getting to bed on time instead to wake more refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Drinking alcohol to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings you’re struggling with. Also avoid the temptation to bury your sorrows in junk food - sticking to a healthy diet is actually far more effective at helping you feel good.
Being charitable is a great way to shift your focus and put things into perspective. Select a person or cause close to your heart and find a way to help them. It could be a meal drop, volunteering or making a donation – there are lots of ways, big and small, to assist those less fortunate.
If symptoms persist seek the guidance of a healthcare professional to assess your situation and provide personalised support.
