Tuesday, December 17, 2019

When the Holidays Are Hard

The holiday season doesn't bring tidings of comfort and joy for everyone.

From the December 2015 Guide

For some, it can be a time when painful memories resurface, when the loss of a loved one can be felt more strongly, or the sight of families celebrating just reminds you of how dysfunctional your own is. Putting on a happy face at work and at home can be even more difficult during the holidays, especially when it feels like you have an obligation to be merry.

Even if circumstances prevent you from feeling the spirit of the holiday season, here are five ways to make it just a little bit brighter.

1. Turn it off – If the sight of everyone else’s celebrations on social media makes you feel lonely or bitter, just turn it off. Disable notifications from your phone, and focus on what you’re grateful for in your own life.

2. Take care of yourself – The death of a loved one or a relationship gone sour may have caused you to neglect yourself. It’s important to take care of you. Take time to treat yourself and to do some things that you enjoy.

3. Give back – They say that the best way to feel better is to do something for someone else. Donate time or money to a local charity, or reach out to someone else who’s struggling during this season.

4. Scale back – You may not have the energy to attend every holiday party and gathering, and that’s perfectly okay. Don’t feel obligated to attend every function you’re invited to.

5. Don’t push it – You don’t have to be holly and jolly during the holidays just because the commercials pressure you to be. Acknowledge what you’re really feeling and move on. It will be a new year soon enough.

Sources: gethealthy.com, pbs.org

When the Holidays Are Hard

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