Help for the Holiday Blues 

The holidays can be stressful. Shopping, social events, financial pressures, and other responsibilities can create anxiety. Missing loved ones or thinking about past events can add to the strain. Changes to your regular routine can also lead to poor nutrition and skipped exercise. All of these factors can contribute to the holiday blues. 

Will your holiday be blue? 

During the holidays, you may feel lonely, sad, or angry, and you might sleep poorly. Even if you’re not usually prone to depression, you may still experience headaches, tension, or fatigue, and it’s easy to overeat or drink more alcohol than usual. A “holiday letdown” is also common afterward—the fast pace can leave you physically and emotionally drained, leading to feelings of loss or frustration that contribute to the blues. 

It’s also important to distinguish the holiday blues from other conditions. Clinical depression is a medical disorder that may require treatment, while the blues often improve with support, such as talking to a good listener. The holidays can also trigger clinical depression for some people. In addition, the blues are sometimes confused with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a diagnosable condition caused by reduced winter sunlight. A person can have both, but they are different; SAD causes major depression symptoms throughout the fall and winter. 

Keeping the blues away 

Simple steps can help ease holiday blues. One of the most important is getting enough rest. Many people lose sleep during the holidays and end up feeling irritable or having trouble thinking clearly. Too little sleep also makes coping with daily stress harder. 

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying active can also help. In addition, try to stay positive and maintain healthy habits. 

Tips to ease the blues 

If you’re dealing with the holiday blues, try the following: 

• Have a heart-to-heart with a friend
• Limit alcohol intake
• Stick to your normal routine as much as possible
• Set a realistic budget—and stick to it
• Set realistic goals and expectations
• Don’t expect the season to resolve past problems
• Don’t be afraid to say no to events you don’t have time for 
• Spend less time with people who increase your stress
• Make time for yourself every day
• Enjoy free holiday activities
• Try celebrating the holidays in a different way