Feeling the holiday blues?

As much as we may "enjoy" the holiday season, some of it also comes with  feelings that aren't so "joyful" and make us feel a little "blue".

Have you ever experienced the "holiday blues"? If you have, do you know why you felt this way? What did you to make these feelings easier to live with? Or did you?

If you have ever experienced the "holiday blues", you aren't alone. Many people will experience a fluctuation in their feelings and emotions brought on by the holidays...but...as with anything in life...there are ways we can help ourselves manage and cope with these thoughts and feelings. 

Take the time to write down your own list of how you will manage. Here are some ideas to get you started...

• keep to your routine as much as possible...exercise, sleeping and eating too
• use your coping skills and soothe your needs as you need them...don't get lost in yourself
• make some of your coping skills portable so you can use them while out and about and away from home
• even when feeling like you would rather be alone...surround yourself with those in your life who can make you smile even when you don't want to...don't isolate yourself
• set a budget and stick to it....sometimes we can over extend ourselves financially and then stress out over how we are going to pay for it...only spend what you can afford
• set reasonable and attainable goals for your holiday activities...shopping, baking, entertaining, attending parties, etc., and plan in breaks to rest in between your activities
• write a to-do list if you have a lot to do...it'll help keep you organized
• you don't have do to everything for everyone...don't forget to ask for help okay? 
• and when you've "partied like a rock-star"...take the time you need to recover...to relax...to care for yourself...it's okay! 

We can survive the holidays and all they bring...the laughter, the food, the love, and yes even the extra pain...we can survive. Keep your list handy when you're out and do what you can as you need it. Learning to plan for and manage our pain is within our abilities and when we do, we can be more active in our lives...and our pain has less control.

Take good care of you and I hope your holiday celebrations leave you smiling silly.