Don’t Let Depression Take Over the Holidays
Too many times I let depression be the star during the holiday season. Every special tradition, every cheerful movie, every jolly song, every magical moment became meaningless obligations added to the to do list. I get it. After a long semester, having to leave all of your campus friends, with the days getting exponentially shorter, your smile gets harder and harder to find. Even dancing around the kitchen in those adorable holiday pj’s while those delicious chocolate chip cookies has yet again failed to get you in the spirit. It just seems so easy to bed rot in your room all day scrolling through more Netflix shows to binge. Before you get lost in this vicious cycle, it is time to act now with these four simple steps. Get your sparkle back and once again enjoy this joyous time of year.
Pamper Yourself
Get out of bed. It is time to take that steamy everything shower. Getting yourself ready for the day even if there is nothing going on tricks your brain into feeling more productive. You are more likely to want to go out and explore or get things done. Furthermore, it is okay to take time for yourself. Dedicate time for your favorite hobby. It is important to get appropriate rest and downtime, however it is also important to maintain a healthy balance between solo time and relationships. Send a funny instagram reel to your long distance bestie, reach out to a family member to go for a walk to check out the new holiday drinks at the coffee shop, catch up with an old friend down the road. Do not neglect yourself and your meaningful relationships. At the end of the day, they are there for you.
Do Something Fun
Make a plan. When you have no motivation it is hard to find the strength to do anything at all. Call a friend. Make a plan for an adventure, even a small one. Watch a holiday movie together, attend a local art event, rummage through Target’s dollar section. For extra bonus points, ask them to join in on a once cherished tradition. An important thing to remember is to take a break from your phone and the constant stream of comparison and information. Take in the moment and make new positive memories. Get rid of all of the expectations you may have that may have you stuck in the mud. Today is a new day.
Move and Nourish
I understand the last thing you want to do is crawl out of your snuggly blanket and move your body, however this is one of the most important things you can do to escape the winter slump. Your body needs to move to release those happy dopamine hormones that boost your mood, not to mention all of the long term health benefits of getting at least 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine. Don’t overcomplicate it. Bundle up and go for a little walk in the sun (vitamin D booster), do some calming yoga, or even have a dance party with your dog. With some extra activity, be sure to nourish your body this season. What you feed yourself with affects your mood. Focus on including all of the food groups at least three times a day. It is all about balancing those delicious holiday treats with your nutrient dense meals in order to satisfy both your body and mind.Â
Release Your Emotions
Get those feelings out of your head. The longer you let those negative thoughts relax in your head, the worse you will feel. Write them down in a journal. It’s best to not even write in complete sentences. Use your journal as a brain dump. As any thought comes to mind, jot it down. This way you can get rid of any thought that comes to mind and you may even discover why you are feeling certain things to begin with. If it is beneficial for you to talk it out, call a trusted friend or family member when you are feeling low. It also never hurts to connect with a professional. Pro tip, look for a therapist with Zoom opportunities so you can continue to get their support even when you go back to school! Stop wasting your time worrying about those unpleasant feelings and dump them out of your head!
The holiday season is a happy, relaxing time. Do not let the seasonal depression get in your way of enjoying this joyous time of rest and traditions. I can attest that it is not worth missing out on all of the new memories to ruminate by myself in my room. Give yourself grace. You got this.