The Holiday Haze

Joy, stress and exhaustion are the first three words that I associate with the holidays. While many of us experience all of these, there is something that others experience just after the holidays. I’m calling it “The Holiday Haze”, otherwise known as depression.

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Our routines were thrown out the window once the holidays approached. We started planning, shopping, going to parties, and visiting with family and friends then it ends. Welcome to boredom, struggling to find your routine again, acquiring a little extra weight not only on our finances but also our bodies and realizing the next major holiday isn’t until spring. Don't I sound like a "Debbie Downer".

There are ways to combat the Holiday Haze but you need to know the signs. We are talking about loss of energy, fatigue, desire to be alone, trouble concentrating, sleepiness and weight gain. These are typical signs of depression and there are healthy ways to work through them.  Here are my top five healthy tips.

Exercise – Twenty minutes of exercise three to five days a week can enhance your mood by decreasing stress and anxiety. You should also see an improvement with your sleep pattern, energy and self-esteem.
 
Maintain a healthy diet – By incorporating healthy foods you will provide your system with nutrients and vitamins to assist your body with growth and wellness. Healthy proteins and carbohydrates will provide serotonin to help regulate you moods. Consider lean meats, low fat dairy, fish, soy products, beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when planning your meals.
 
Volunteer – By helping others you can boost your mood and self-esteem. Check out local charities to see how you can help your community.
 
Plan Something Special – You don’t have to wait for a holiday to do something special. Making plans will give you something to look forwards to, therefore also improving your mood.
 
Be Thankful – Remind yourself of all that you have and are able to do. Being thankful has shown to improve attitude, health, and relationship with others.   
 
Talk to someone – If you find you're still struggling, seek out a professional or a friend to help you sort out your thoughts.

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Deanna S.