How to Deal with the Holiday Blues

The holiday season is a wonderful time for gatherings, where people come together to enjoy meals with loved ones, exchange gifts, and attend the annual office party. However, for some, this time of year can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones or find it challenging to cope with the shorter winter days. These emotions can be associated with what is commonly known as the Holiday Blues.The Holiday Blues encompass feelings such as anxiety and depression, which often stem from the stress of overwhelming responsibilities and unrealistic expectations during the holiday season. Symptoms may manifest as fatigue, frustration, sadness, social isolation, or tension. Even feelings of grief and loss can be intensified during this period, especially if you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one.

Fortunately, these emotions are temporary and manageable. Access to wellness programs like Burnalong can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and fatigue. Online classes, offering exercise routines and health information from various professionals, are available on-demand through Burnalong, making it an excellent resource for managing the Holiday Blues . Here are some tips to help you reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, or disconnection during this holiday season:

1. Go Outside: With the days getting shorter, we receive less natural sunlight, which can impact our mental health. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, known to boost mood. Embracing natural light can invigorate your senses and reduce social isolation, especially if you work from home.
2. Establish a Healthy Routine: Ensure you prioritize getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and incorporating regular exercise into your daily life. These practices provide your body with essential nutrients and help eliminate harmful toxins. A healthy routine can offer stability during challenging times and reduce anxiety and stress.
3. Nurture Your Social Connections: While we all want to spend time with loved ones during the holidays, it’s essential to set boundaries. Don’t hesitate to decline events if you’re feeling tired. Create a to-do list for your social calendar, helping you manage your commitments and avoid overextending yourself. Additionally, establish a budget for shopping and expenses to alleviate financial strain.
4. Indulge in Activities You Love: The end of the year is a time for reflection, considering all that has transpired. Take this opportunity to make space for activities you genuinely enjoy and prioritize your own desires and interests. You don’t need to wait for the new year to find joy or make positive changes. The best time to have fun and prioritize your well-being is right now.

By placing your health and well-being at the forefront and establishing healthy social boundaries, you can effectively mitigate the symptoms of the Holiday Blues. Prioritize your health and foster meaningful social connections by inviting others to join you on Burnalong for exercise and valuable health information.

For more information about the variety of fitness classes and wellness information on Burnalong, go to https://www.burnalong.com. For a free daily class, visit: https://www.burnalong.com/daily-class.

Eva Gordon, LCSW works with individuals, families, and organizations to promote safety and well-being. For over 18 years, Ms. Gordon’s services include service planning, program development and mental health treatment in the New York City area. She has coordinated trainings and resource events for community organizations and faith-based initiatives. Ms. Gordon now focuses on educating the community on mental health and how we can take care of ourselves to improve our lives.

Burnalong (www.Burnalong.com) provides an end-to-end wellness solution focused on helping people achieve their human potential; through a scalable digital platform, social support and motivation, proprietary data and analytics, and AI. People can take classes alone or live with others where they can see and hear each other, and join communities, for added social motivation. Our platform includes access to more than 50,000 live and on-demand classes, taught by 7,500+ instructors, across 70+ categories (spanning physical, emotional, and financial wellness, including programming for chronic conditions, prenatal, children, and disabilities), reflecting the diversity, and diversity of needs, of the population.