{"id":20338,"date":"2019-11-28T12:56:48","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T19:56:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyhinews.com\/?p=61784"},"modified":"2019-11-28T12:56:48","modified_gmt":"2019-11-28T19:56:48","slug":"tips-to-ease-stress-and-seasonal-depression-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/krky\/local-news\/tips-to-ease-stress-and-seasonal-depression-during-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips to ease stress and seasonal depression during the holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can be stressful for everybody.<\/p>\n

For many people, even typically enjoyable activities like holiday gatherings, children\u2019s performances, baking, decorating, travel planning and gift wrapping can feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n

A poll by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 25 percent of Americans reported \u201cextreme stress\u201d during the holiday season. The majority of that stress was attributed to feelings of lack of time and money.<\/p>\n

Making a list is a good way to start managing feelings of being overwhelmed, according to Mind Springs Health Operations Manager Tom Gangel.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce you feel like you have too much to do, that\u2019s the time to start writing it down,\u201d Gangel said.<\/p>\n

Get rid of the items you don\u2019t have to do, he said, and then start checking things off.<\/p>\n

When it comes to money, Gangel recommends doing your best to stick to your budget and remembering that everyone else probably has a budget, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cLots of people get a little stressed out because they spend too much money around this time,\u201d Gangel said.<\/p>\n

Mental health experts also recommend focusing on self-care and avoiding too many commitments.<\/p>\n

Here are some more tips to help you through the holidays.<\/p>\n

Stick to a routine<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the best ways to avoid additional holiday stress is to do what you normally do, whether it\u2019s going to work, heading to the gym, walking the dog or reading a book.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs best as you can, you go ahead and stick to your normal routines,\u201d Gangel said. \u201cJust do the things that you typically do.\u201d<\/p>\n

No matter how busy you get, make sure you continue to move your body, drink plenty of water and get good sleep every night.<\/p>\n

Slow down<\/strong><\/p>\n

Take time each day to regroup, and remember that saying \u201cno\u201d to an obligation might mean saying \u201cyes\u201d to your health.<\/p>\n

Gangel recommends learning to say \u201cno\u201d and taking some time out for yourself.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple times a day, take three minutes to just deep breathe,\u201d he said. \u201cThe more you do it, the better you\u2019re going to feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Accept how you feel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stop to check in with yourself and make an effort to embrace your feelings. Simply acknowledging a feeling is a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe holidays don\u2019t always have to be a happy time,\u201d Gangel said. \u201cFor many of us, this is when we think about people we\u2019ve lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s OK to set aside a little time to cry, he said, and if you\u2019re struggling with a loss, it\u2019s normal to think about how this Christmas will be different from the last one.<\/p>\n

Be realistic<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a poorly wrapped present or an over-baked pie, make the best out of small mistakes and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.<\/p>\n

The holidays \u201cdon\u2019t have to be perfect,\u201d Gangel said. \u201cThey just have to be OK.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do your best to be realistic and set reasonable exceptions for yourself, he said.<\/p>\n

Practice self-care<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stress from the holidays can aggravate feelings of depression, particularly for those who do not have strong social networks or who are grieving the recent loss of a loved one.<\/p>\n

If you experience mild seasonal depression, consider ways to connect with others.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re someone who really gets recharged by hanging out with people, make time for social supports and gather your friends,\u201d Gangel said.<\/p>\n

Living in a town that gets so much snow each year also contributes to cases of seasonal affective disorder. If you know that\u2019s a problem for you, be sure to get in some sunlight or artificial sunlight each day, he said.<\/p>\n

Ask for help<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re really struggling, it\u2019s time to ask for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best thing to do is realize, even though it\u2019s the holiday season, the professionals in mental health in Routt County, they\u2019re available,\u201d Gangel said. \u201cIf you really need professional help, go ahead and seek it out. You don\u2019t have to wait until after the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you or somebody you know is in crisis, Gangel recommends calling the Colorado Crisis line at 844-493-8255, which has options to talk or text to a peer or professional.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to remember that you\u2019ve made it through the holidays before, and you will again, he said.<\/p>\n

Portions of this article were previously published at theunion.com<\/a> and steamboatpilot.com<\/a> in December 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n

via:: Sky-Hi News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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