For some of us, the holidays can be a source of stress and overwhelm, thanks to rush deadlines, overpacked malls, and traffic jams–but for others, it can even be a source of dread. It’s likely that you have friends or family abroad who can’t celebrate Christmas or the New Year with us–and more so if it’s the first time without their physical presence. Or you may also be spending the season alone at home.
Holiday blues are a valid occurrence–fortunately, we’ve rounded up some strategies to help you cope with the sadness that the -ber months can bring.
Be honest about how you feel
They say that awareness is always the first step–and being aware of your emotions and acknowledging them can do wonders for your own mental health.
Too often, we forget about sitting with unpleasant emotions. We either look for different ways to escape them or even disregard them entirely. But we all need to remember that it’s okay to not be okay–and that there are healthy ways to deal with our sadness. You may talk to trusted friends or loved ones who offer a non-judgmental point-of-view or seek a professional if necessary.
Stay connected to the people you love
Fortunately, we can always leverage technology to keep in touch with the people closest to our hearts. A fast and seamless home WiFi connection is a big help in having regular facetime with your family members or significant other–that way, your voice or video calls would be seamless and hiccup-free.
If it’s your first time being away from your partner, for example, regular virtual date nights would be a great way to spend quality time–and probably even curb their homesickness.
Do a year-end reflection
Sometimes the pressure of high expectations can be a source of holiday blues. You may have had goals you wanted to achieve, for example, and now that the year is about to end, you may feel disappointed in yourself.
If you’ve been making lists of New Year’s Resolutions every year, why not do things a little bit differently this time around? Working on a year-end gratitude list could be a way to help you give yourself credit while also celebrating what you already have.
Practice generosity
It’s no mistake that helping others is good for our mental health. Giving yourself–your energy, resources, and time–to others allows you to think about your stressors less, giving you more opportunities to focus on how you’re alleviating others’ hardships. In addition, doing something you enjoy–cooking meals for a sick loved one, for example, or feeding stray cats near your home–would feel less like an obligation and more of a reward.
Of course, be mindful about overcommitting as well–be careful not to make it another stressor in your life, and find the right balance in doing it, so that it doesn’t end up being another unhealthy coping mechanism.
Find your footing with mWell and PLDT Home
We hope these steps help you alleviate your -ber blues–and while they won’t go away overnight, be rest assured that they’re temporary and that you can always find the support you need at your fingertips.
mWell is a teleconsultation service that allows you to get the holistic support you need right from the comfort of your home. The app gives you access to mental health experts who can help you reduce stress and anxiety, have a greater sense of calm, and be happier and more productive. Download the mWell app on the App Store and Google Play today!