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DECEMBER 2022
How to beat the holiday blues
The holidays are a time for family and friends, festive meals, presents, parties and classic films on TV. It’s also a very busy time at work. But for some, the holidays can be depressing. The more pressure you feel to be cheery, the sadder you may become. These feelings could be due to loneliness or a recent loss, such as divorce, a break-up or the death of a loved one. You could also be feeling sad for another reason — and you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you find joy and meaning throughout the holidays.
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Listen to your own needs and feelings
Why pretend to feel cheery, if that’s not the way you feel? Skip parties you don’t really want to attend. Don’t force yourself to “be merry.” On the other hand, don’t isolate yourself completely. That can make you feel worse. Choose one or two events where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Or invite a few friends to your home for a simple meal.
Take a break from holiday stress
Feeling pressure about decorating and shopping? Resist the urge to make things perfect. Instead, be kind to yourself. Take time to relax or meet a friend for coffee. Skip the holiday TV shows if they make you feel blue. Watch something that interests you or makes you laugh.
Volunteer
Food banks and other services that support the less fortunate look for volunteers to help during the holidays. Volunteering can take your mind off your own challenges and make you feel better for doing something nice for someone else.
Don’t overspend
If you get into debt over the holidays, you’ll be bluer when the bills come in. If you want to give gifts, get creative. Make “gift cards” for things like a trip with you to a museum, your help with household repairs or an afternoon at the movies. Remember, it’s the thought — not the price — that counts.
Start new traditions
If old family customs make you sad or stressed, create some new ones. Include the people who matter in your life right now. Try new activities that feel fun and meaningful. They may become your new traditions.
Watch your sugar and alcohol intake
Holidays bring lots of fun treats and desserts. But overdoing it can affect your mood and energy. Try to control your eating and drinking so you don’t have to start the new year with a few extra pounds and regrets.
Stay active
Exercise increases your endorphins which are the hormones that enhance your feelings of well-being. Taking a short walk, or doing anything active can help you better manage your stress.
Finding help
If you find yourself struggling with significant depression, seek professional help. Research indicates a high level of success with appropriate help. So consider turning to your Costco benefits and these other resources for support:
- Resources For Living® (RFL®)* offers help for people with depression, anxiety and other behavioral challenges.
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help.
- Call 911 for emergency services
Source: Resources for Living. Lifting your spirits during the holidays
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
For more information on ways to manage depression during the holiday season, see the resources below.